The unveiling of a new statue of the goddess of justice without a blindfold in the Indian Supreme Court has sparked a debate about the judiciary’s role in modern India. The statue, now displayed in the judges’ library, depicts “Lady Justice” with her eyes open and holding the constitution instead of the usual sword symbol of authority and punishment.
Outgoing Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud commissioned this redesign to convey the message that the law is not blind; it sees and upholds the rights of all individuals equally. Chief Justice Chandrachud stated during the unveiling that “The law is not blind; it sees everyone equally.” He is set to demit office on 10 November and has nominated Justice Sanjeev Khanna as his successor for a six-month tenure before retirement on 13 May.
The removal of the blindfold, a symbol of impartiality, signals an evolving understanding of justice that distances itself from colonial legacies in a manner similar to recent reforms replacing the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Lady Justice symbolises the allegorical embodiment of law and moral principles guiding society, a concept originating from ancient Greece and Roman mythology.
The transformation of Lady Justice aims to represent a new legal identity for India, embodying a justice system that is aware, vigilant, and inclusive. The statue now embodies a commitment to justice based on constitutional principles rather than retributive measures, aligning with the judiciary’s role in upholding rights and equality.
While the sword has been replaced with the constitution, the scales of justice in her right hand have been retained to symbolise the balance of competing arguments in court. Social media users have shared varied opinions on the new statue, with some highlighting the need for timeliness in court proceedings and others questioning the impartiality of the justice system in India.
However, many have praised the redesign as a significant step for India’s judiciary. The unveiling of this statue has sparked a crucial conversation about the evolving nature of justice and the symbolism associated with the judiciary in India.