The Supreme Court of India has unveiled a reimagined statue of 'Lady Justice', marking a significant departure from the traditional depiction of the symbol. This modernised version, which removes the blindfold and replaces the sword with the Constitution of India, has been installed in the judges' library within the Supreme Court premises.
The redesign reflects the judiciary’s effort to align its symbolic representation with contemporary values and a commitment to constitutional justice, as India continues to move beyond its colonial legacy.
For centuries, the image of 'Lady Justice'—a figure holding scales and a sword, with a blindfold covering her eyes—has been synonymous with impartiality and fairness in judicial systems around the world.
The blindfold symbolises the idea that justice is impartial, administered without favour or prejudice. However, the newly installed statue in the Supreme Court suggests a rethinking of this concept, with open eyes signalling that “justice is no longer blind.”
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who spearheaded the initiative, explained the rationale behind the change. He emphasised that the Indian judiciary, in its current form, sees all citizens equally, without bias or discrimination.
“The law is not blind; it sees everyone equally,” he stated. According to CJI Chandrachud, the new design symbolises this evolving perspective, indicating that the judiciary’s role is not only to judge without bias but also to remain vigilant in ensuring equality and upholding the constitutional rights of every individual.
The updated statue retains the scales of justice, representing fairness and balance in the legal process, but it replaces the traditional sword with a copy of the Constitution.
This transformation underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that justice is not merely punitive but is rooted in the principles of the Indian Constitution.
By holding the Constitution, the statue signifies that justice in India is dispensed in accordance with the rule of law and the values enshrined in the Constitution, which guarantees equality and fairness for all citizens.
The change is also seen as part of a broader effort to dismantle the colonial-era symbols that have historically defined the Indian judiciary. Following recent legislative reforms that repealed or amended many archaic laws inherited from the British period, this symbolic shift serves as a continuation of the judiciary’s intention to redefine its identity.
Chief Justice Chandrachud has been at the forefront of these reforms, advocating for a judiciary that reflects Indian values and prioritises the needs and rights of Indian citizens over outdated colonial practices.
While the move has been welcomed by many as a progressive step, it has also sparked debates among legal scholars and citizens. Critics argue that the blindfold traditionally signified impartiality and removing it might convey the impression that the judiciary could be influenced by what it sees, thus compromising its neutrality.
Supporters, however, believe that the removal of the blindfold symbolises transparency, a crucial aspect of modern justice systems. It reflects a judiciary that actively observes, assesses, and engages with the realities faced by people, rather than ignoring them.
The inclusion of the Constitution in the statue’s hand, replacing the sword, further reinforces the idea that the Indian legal system is evolving beyond punitive measures and towards a focus on rights, justice, and constitutional values.
The Constitution is viewed as the foundation upon which Indian democracy stands, and its presence in the new design signifies that it remains the ultimate guide for legal proceedings in the country. It reflects an assurance that the judiciary's powers will be used not merely for retribution but to uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to every citizen.
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