Published 15 October 2026
Since 25 August 2026 the State's official name has been Keralam. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026 passed the Lok Sabha on 11 August and the Rajya Sabha on 12 August, and the Ministry of Home Affairs notification S.O. 4712(E) brought it into force on 25 August. Since then clients have asked whether they must amend their GST registration, company records, trademark filings or contracts. The short answer is that the Act changes the name in the Constitution and in laws; it does not require businesses to re-register or amend anything. Here is what the Act actually does, and what is worth updating at your own pace.
What the Act does
- Section 3: "On and from the appointed day, the State of Kerala shall be known as the State of Keralam."
- Sections 4 to 7: substitute "Keralam" for "Kerala" in article 31A, article 290A, the First Schedule (the list of States) and the Fourth Schedule (Rajya Sabha seats) of the Constitution.
- Section 8: lets the appropriate Government adapt or modify any law made before 25 August 2026, by order, within one year, to give effect to the new name.
- Section 9: lets any court, tribunal or authority read an unadapted law in the way needed to give effect to the change, "without affecting the substance".
- Section 10: in legal proceedings pending on 25 August 2026 to which the State of Kerala is a party, the State of Keralam is deemed substituted.
The Act defines "law" to include enactments, ordinances, regulations, orders, bye-laws, rules, schemes, notifications and other instruments having the force of law. Its machinery is for statutes and official instruments; it places no filing duty on private businesses.
What you do not need to change
- GST registration. A GSTIN begins with the State code, and Kerala's code is 32; the code identifies the State, not the spelling of its name, so existing GSTINs and certificates stay valid. Invoices and e-invoices carry the code.
- Company and LLP records. Your registered office has not moved. No change of registered office or amendment filing with the Registrar of Companies is triggered by the rename.
- Trademark filings. The applicant's address and address for service are unchanged in substance, so no request to amend the address is needed for pending applications or registrations.
- FSSAI, Udyam, IEC, shop and trade licences. None depends on the spelling of the State's name.
- PIN codes, bank accounts and existing contracts. The State is the same State under a new name; agreements that say Kerala continue to mean the same place and the same Government.
What is worth updating, when convenient
- Letterheads, invoices, websites and email signatures at the next reprint or redesign: "Kochi, Keralam" is now the official form, though "Kerala" remains universally understood.
- New contracts and legal documents drafted from now on, especially where a government body is a party: name it the State of Keralam, which is its legal name.
- Government forms: use whatever the portal offers. Central and State portals will update their drop-down lists on their own timelines; selecting the listed entry for code 32 is correct either way.
- Pleadings in pending cases against the State: section 10 already substitutes the new name, so a fresh application is not needed merely for that.
Brand names that use "Kerala"
Trademarks and trade names that contain the word Kerala, such as a spice brand or a tour company, need no change. The rename does not affect existing registrations, and geographical words are examined on the same principles as before. Geographical indications registered for Kerala products keep their registered names.
How long the transition runs
The adaptation power in section 8 runs for one year from 25 August 2026, so expect Central and State notifications amending references in rules and forms until about August 2027. The change began with a unanimous resolution of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on 24 June 2024, noting that the State's name in Malayalam is Keralam; the Union Cabinet approved the proposal in February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kerala officially become Keralam?
On 25 August 2026, the date appointed by Ministry of Home Affairs notification S.O. 4712(E) under section 1(2) of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026.
Do I need to amend my GST registration because of the name change?
No. The Act places no filing duty on taxpayers, and the GSTIN uses the State code 32, which is unchanged.
Should my company file a change of registered office?
No. The office has not moved; only the State's name has changed. Update stationery and new documents at your convenience.
Are contracts that say Kerala still valid?
Yes. The State is the same State under a new name. The Act adapts laws and pending legal proceedings; it does not affect the validity of private agreements.
Until when can laws be adapted to the new name?
Section 8 allows the appropriate Government to adapt laws by order within one year of 25 August 2026, and section 9 lets courts and authorities read unadapted laws accordingly.
Sources
Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, Bill No. 155 of 2026 as introduced in the Lok Sabha (PRS Legislative Research); Ministry of Home Affairs notification S.O. 4712(E), 25 August 2026, Gazette of India; Onmanorama, 26 August 2026; SCC Online, 13 August 2026.
BookMyTM keeps GST, ROC and trademark records in order for businesses across Keralam and can review your documents and stationery for the change.