The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has voiced strong objections regarding the recent changes made to the Supreme Court emblem and the statue of Lady Justice, both unveiled without prior consultation with the legal community. The new statue, commissioned by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, features Lady Justice clad in a saree, holding the Constitution in one hand while omitting the traditional blindfold and sword. This redesign aims to reflect a more “Indianized” representation of justice but has drawn criticism for undermining the fundamental principle of impartiality in the judicial system.
SCBA President Vikas Singh articulated the association’s concerns, emphasizing the need for consultation with the Bar before implementing such significant changes. He described the process as “unilateral,” warning that these “radical” modifications may not align with the views of legal practitioners across the country. Singh’s statement highlights a crucial aspect of the legal profession: the respect for tradition and the established symbols that represent justice.
During the unveiling, Chief Justice Chandrachud defended the redesign, stating that the new depiction represents a justice system that sees all its citizens and aims for equality. He expressed that the blindfold traditionally associated with Lady Justice could be interpreted as a form of negligence towards societal realities, insisting that the law should not be blind to the conditions of the people it serves. The statue, designed by artist Vinod Goswami, stands approximately 6.5 feet tall and is crafted from fiberglass, embodying a blend of Indian cultural values and the principles of justice.
The SCBA’s resolution against these changes signifies a broader concern within the legal community regarding the implications of altering such iconic representations. Critics argue that the removal of the blindfold, a longstanding symbol of impartiality, could erode public trust in the judicial system. As debates continue, the SCBA urges for a more inclusive approach to decision-making, stressing that such emblematic representations are not merely aesthetic but hold significant legal and cultural importance.
The ongoing dialogue around the changes reflects the delicate balance between modernization and tradition in India’s legal landscape, and the SCBA remains committed to ensuring that the voices of legal practitioners are heard in future decisions.
