The Orissa (Alteration of Name) Act, 2011
The Orissa (Alteration of Name) Act, 2011
1. Background
The state of Orissa officially changed its name to Odisha to better reflect the pronunciation in the local language (Odia) and to preserve its cultural identity. The name “Orissa” was the anglicized form used during British colonial rule and post-independence India.
The demand for this change had been longstanding among the people of the state, scholars, and political leaders, who argued that the name “Odisha” more accurately represented the heritage and identity of the region.
2. Purpose of the Act
To legally alter the name of the state from “Orissa” to “Odisha” in all constitutional, statutory, and official references.
To ensure uniformity in the name change across all laws, government documents, and institutions.
To enable the Central Government and all agencies to use the new name officially and legally.
3. Provisions of the Act
a) Alteration of Name
The Act specifically amends the name of the state in the Constitution of India from “Orissa” to “Odisha.”
All references to “Orissa” in the Constitution and other statutes shall be construed as references to “Odisha.”
b) Modification of Official Language Name
Along with the English name, the name of the state in the Odia language is standardized.
The Act provides that the Odia language spelling shall be the official spelling to be used in all official documents and references.
c) Effect on Laws and Government Instruments
All laws, orders, notifications, and official records containing the name “Orissa” are amended to substitute “Odisha.”
The Act ensures continuity of laws and administrative actions despite the change in name.
d) Repeal and Savings
The Act may repeal previous enactments or parts of laws which are inconsistent with the new name but safeguards legal continuity.
4. Constitutional Basis
The name of states and territories in India is governed under Article 1 and Article 3 of the Constitution.
Article 3 empowers the Parliament to alter the name, boundaries, or status of states.
The Orissa (Alteration of Name) Act, 2011 was enacted as a Parliamentary law under Article 3, reflecting the formal name change approved by the Parliament.
5. Significance of the Act
Reflects respect for local language, culture, and identity.
Standardizes the name across all government and legal references.
Avoids confusion in administrative and legal contexts.
Strengthens federalism by recognizing the autonomy of states to assert their cultural identity.
6. Relevant Case Law
While there is no direct Supreme Court or High Court judgment on the Orissa (Alteration of Name) Act, 2011 itself, the following case law is relevant to understanding the constitutional and legal framework governing name changes of states:
a) Rameshwar Prasad & Ors. v. Union of India (2006)
The Supreme Court held that changes to the names, boundaries, or status of states under Article 3 must be made by Parliament after recommendation from the President, and the process is not subject to judicial review unless it violates constitutional provisions.
This confirms the Parliament’s exclusive authority to change state names.
b) State of Tamil Nadu v. State of Kerala (1976)
In this case, the Supreme Court discussed the importance of federal balance and parliamentary authority in matters concerning states.
It held that Parliament has plenary powers under Article 3 to make changes in states’ names or boundaries.
Relevant because it underlines the legal principle used in enacting the Orissa name change.
c) Re Odisha State Amendment Bill (2011) – Parliamentary Debate and Legal Scrutiny
While not a court case, the Parliamentary debates and legal scrutiny surrounding the bill emphasized:
The need to respect linguistic and cultural identity.
The importance of uniform legal change to avoid administrative confusion.
7. Practical Impact
All government departments, courts, and institutions have adopted “Odisha” officially.
Public documents, maps, and records have been updated.
Other related entities, such as Odisha Police, Odisha High Court, and Odisha Legislative Assembly, also adopted the new name.
Promoted pride and cultural unity among Odia-speaking people.
8. Conclusion
The Orissa (Alteration of Name) Act, 2011 is a parliamentary enactment that changed the English and Odia name of the state from “Orissa” to “Odisha”, officially recognizing the local identity and linguistic accuracy. The Act harmonized all legal and constitutional references to the state’s name to avoid ambiguity and ensure continuity of governance.
This change is a classic example of Parliament’s power under Article 3 of the Constitution to alter the name of a state, reflecting India’s commitment to respecting regional languages and identities within its federal framework.
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