In a symbolic move aimed at modernizing the representation of justice in India, the Supreme Court has unveiled a new Lady of Justice statue with a striking change—her eyes are no longer blindfolded, and the Constitution has replaced the traditional sword in her hand.
Commissioned under the leadership of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the statue now stands in the judges’ library of the Supreme Court, sending a powerful message that the law in India is not blind but sees everyone equally.
Traditionally, the blindfold worn by the Lady of Justice symbolized impartiality, implying that justice is meted out without regard to a person’s wealth, power, or status. The sword, on the other hand, represented the authority to punish injustice. However, in this new statue, the removal of the blindfold signifies that justice in India is actively aware of all circumstances, ensuring equality for all under the law.
Moving Beyond Colonial Symbols
The change comes as part of a broader effort to leave behind colonial-era symbols in India’s legal system, much like the replacement of the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. According to sources close to the Chief Justice’s office, Justice Chandrachud believes that the law is not blind in India but is deeply rooted in the Constitution, which ensures equality and justice for all citizens.
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“The Chief Justice emphasized that the new form of the Lady of Justice should reflect that courts dispense justice according to the Constitution, not through violence or punishment, as symbolized by the sword,” a source explained. The replacement of the sword with the Constitution thus highlights that Indian courts uphold constitutional laws rather than relying on symbols of authority or force.
The Scales of Justice Retained
While the statue has undergone significant changes, the scales of justice in the right hand remain intact. These scales represent the balance in society and the careful weighing of facts and arguments by the courts before rendering a verdict. This balance is a core principle in delivering fair and equitable justice in India’s judiciary.
A Progressive Step for Indian Judiciary
The unveiling of the new statue of Lady of Justice is being seen as a progressive step towards a more inclusive and thoughtful representation of the judiciary’s role in society. The message is clear: justice in India is not blind; it is deeply aware of the facts, and its power lies in the Constitution, not in punishment.
