The Supreme Court (SC) of India has introduced a newly redesigned version of the ‘Lady Justice’ statue, marking a notable shift from its colonial heritage. Traditionally depicted with a blindfold and a sword, the revamped statue now features ‘Lady Justice’ with open eyes and the Constitution of India replacing the sword. This transformation reflects the judiciary’s commitment to constitutional values and a justice system that “sees everyone equally,” as reported by NDTV.
Lady Justice’s Eyes Open: A Symbol of Modern Justice
The decision to remove the blindfold from ‘Lady Justice’ signifies a substantial change in the judiciary’s perception of justice in contemporary India. Historically, the blindfold symbolized impartiality and equality before the law; however, the new design, championed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, presents a bold statement.
“The law is not blind; it sees everyone equally,” CJI Chandrachud remarked during the unveiling ceremony. According to sources within the Supreme Court, this alteration represents an evolving legal identity that distances itself from colonial symbols while embracing an interpretation of justice that is uniquely Indian. The updated statue now stands proudly in the judges’ library, embodying a vigilant and inclusive justice system.
Replacing the Sword with the Constitution
A significant feature of the redesigned ‘Lady Justice’ is the replacement of the sword with the Constitution. The sword, previously emblematic of authority and punishment, has been swapped for the Constitution, highlighting a transition towards a more principled and balanced approach to justice. As the foundation of the judiciary’s role, the Constitution represents the upholding of rights, equality, and fairness over mere retribution.
A senior official from the Chief Justice’s office explained, “The sword is a symbol of violence, but courts deliver justice according to constitutional laws. The new statue aims to reflect this principle.”
The redesign of ‘Lady Justice’ aligns with a broader initiative by the Indian judiciary to shed its colonial past. Recent legal reforms, such as the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), underscore this movement. CJI Chandrachud has been vocal about the necessity of breaking away from British-era symbols and laws, emphasising that the judiciary’s role is protective of constitutional rights rather than punitive.
A source close to the Chief Justice noted, “Justice Chandrachud believes that India should move forward from the British legacy, and that the law is never blind; it sees everyone equally.” This philosophy is now embodied in the redesigned ‘Lady Justice,’ which represents the Constitution as the ultimate source of justice.
Despite these significant changes, one element of ‘Lady Justice’ remains unchanged: the scales in her right hand, which continue to symbolize the balance of justice. These scales represent the impartial weighing of evidence, ensuring that both sides are considered equally before a verdict is reached.
“The scales of justice represent balance in society, emphasising that facts and arguments from both sides are weighed by courts before arriving at a conclusion,” an official stated.
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