It’s the Supreme Court of India‘s first step away from tradition by presenting an open-eyed new Lady Justice statue that reflects a new age and breaks free from colonial history and ties. The fresh perspective is distinguished by an open-eyed look and a representation that emphasizes the Indian Constitution instead of the sword, from which the conventional representation has long been a symbol of authority and punishment.
Embracing Indian cultural identity
The statue embraces Lady Justice in a saree, which is a notable shift from the usual Western robe. This new dress represents a more meaningful association with India, highlighting that the judiciary is working towards becoming more aligned with the heritage of the country. The statute was authorized under the oversight of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and retains its position in the Judges’ Library of the Supreme Court- – it signifies an idea of justice that is aware, inclusive, and deeply rooted in constitutional values.
Justice with open eyes
The removal of the traditional blindfold carries immense significance. Historically, the blindfold represented impartiality and that justice is blind to status or power. However, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasizes that “the law is not blind; it sees everyone equally.” This perspective aims to oppose the idea of objectivity and distance in justice, offering a system that validates the contexts of each case but shall be fair.
The Constitution as a guiding force
Another note-worthy element of this design is the replacement of the sword with a copy of the Indian Constitution. Generally, the sword has been associated with violence and disciplinary action, whereas the Constitution is a symbol of rights, equality, and fairness. This change represents the shift towards more emphasis on core values in justice and highlights how a judiciary must act as a protector of constitutional rights rather than functioning as a law enforcer.
Breaking free from colonial influences
This is part of a larger effort to transform the Indian legal framework, through which outdated colonial laws like the Indian Penal Code are to be replaced with more modern frameworks, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita being one of them. It was in this context that Chief Justice Chandrachud clearly demanded an identity that is authentically Indian.
Upholding the state of injustice
Regardless of these much-needed and appreciated changes, the right hand of Lady Justice still holds the scales. Scales of justice represent a court that needs to have a balance while balancing the weight of evidence and arguments from both sides on the scale of justice. In this respect, the statute reminds us that justice requires having a careful and fair balance for every case.
Thumb Image Credit: X/@BimalGST
