The Supreme Court of India has a new version of ‘Lady Justice’-in this case, with open eyes of justice and the Constitution of India instead of the sword and blindfold. That is a break from colonial traditions: the judiciary affirms its commitment to constitutional values and an alert, alive-to-the-people it serves system of justice.
A New Outlook
This is indeed a paradigm shift in the way the judiciary interprets justice in India today with the removal of the veil from blind justice. The initiative was spearheaded by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud in November last year when he likened, “The law is not blind; it sees everyone equally.” The new statue proudly stands tall in the library of the judges, epitomizing vigilance and a progressive step towards justice.
From Sword to Constitution
Another significant feature of this design is that the sword is replaced by the Constitution. The general sword symbolized power and vengeance. In the new design, the endeavour is an effort of a constitutional legal approach towards justice based upon protection of rights, equality, and fairness. The sword is a symbol of violence,” said the senior official while detailing his explanations from the office of Chief Justice. “Courts, however, deliver justice according to constitutional laws. The new statue is trying to portray that principle,” he added.
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Shaking Off Colonial Symbols
The reconstituted ‘Lady Justice’ sits within the larger vision of delinking the Indian judiciary from its colonial past. Recent reforms reflecting this are the launch of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to substitute the Indian Penal Code in all states. CJI Chandrachud has been a vociferous critic of disconnecting the judiciary with British symbols and has asserted that the role of the judiciary is to protect constitutional rights, not punitive action.
However, according to sources close to Chief Justice, “Justice Chandrachud feels India needs to break free from the British legacy, and that the law is not blind; it sees everybody equally.” This motto is reflected in the renovated statue where the Constitution is represented as the source of final justice. Scales of Justice Remained the Same
One thing about ‘Lady Justice’ however remains the same: the scales in her right hand are an emblem of the balance that justice demands. The scales ensure that there is a weighing of evidence so that both parties have the opportunity to present their case before having a verdict reached. The scales of justice represent balance in society and the principle that all facts and arguments are considered before a conclusion is made.” Such is the understanding of one official.
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