Supreme Court Unveils Reimagined ‘Lady Justice’ Statue to Reflect Indian Values

New Delhi, 17th October 2024: The Supreme Court of India has introduced a reimagined ‘Lady Justice’ statue, marking a significant shift away from colonial influences. Unlike the traditional portrayal featuring a blindfold and a sword, the updated statue presents ‘Lady Justice’ with open eyes and holding the Constitution of India instead of a sword. This change symbolizes the judiciary’s dedication to constitutional principles and a vision of justice that recognizes equality for all.

The removal of the blindfold signifies more than just a cosmetic alteration; it reflects a modern understanding of justice in India. Historically associated with impartiality, the blindfold has been replaced by open eyes, reinforcing the idea that “the law is not blind; it sees everyone equally,” as stated by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud during the statue’s unveiling.

According to sources within the Supreme Court, this redesign indicates a progressive legal identity that seeks to distance itself from colonial imagery while embracing an Indian-centric perspective on justice. The new statue, now displayed in the judges’ library, embodies a justice system that is aware, proactive, and inclusive.

Another notable aspect of the redesigned ‘Lady Justice’ is the substitution of the sword with the Constitution. While the sword once symbolized authority and punishment, its replacement with the Constitution signifies a commitment to a more principled and balanced approach to justice. The Constitution, serving as the cornerstone of the judiciary’s responsibilities, emphasizes the protection of rights, equality, and fairness over retribution.

A senior official from the Chief Justice’s office remarked, “The sword symbolizes violence, but courts administer justice based on constitutional law. The new statute aims to reflect this principle.”

This redesign is part of a broader initiative by the Indian judiciary to shed colonial legacies. Recent legal reforms, including the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), further emphasize this movement. CJI Chandrachud has consistently advocated for moving away from symbols and laws rooted in British history, asserting that the judiciary’s role is to protect constitutional rights rather than impose punishment.

As noted by a close source to the Chief Justice, “Justice Chandrachud believes that India should progress beyond the British legacy and that the law is never blind; it sees everyone equally.” This philosophy is encapsulated in the redesigned ‘Lady Justice,’ which now upholds the Constitution as the ultimate foundation of justice.

Despite the redesign, one element remains unchanged: the scales in her right hand, represent the balance of justice. These scales symbolize the fair evaluation of evidence, ensuring that both sides are considered equitably before a decision is made.

“The scales of justice signify balance in society, illustrating that courts weigh the facts and arguments from both sides before concluding,” explained an official.