New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India recently unveiled a striking new statue of Lady Justice, departing from the traditional image of blindfolded justice. The redesigned statue, which features open eyes and replaces the sword with a copy of the Constitution, sends a clear message that in modern India, “Law is not blind.” Commissioned by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, this symbolic change reflects a shift from colonial-era judicial representations to a more constitutionally driven vision of justice.
Traditionally, Lady Justice is portrayed as a blindfolded figure holding scales and a sword, symbolizing impartiality and the law’s power. However, this new interpretation, with its open eyes, is meant to convey that justice in India must be vigilant, not blind to inequities. The sword, typically a representation of punishment, has been replaced by the Constitution, underscoring that the judiciary derives its authority from constitutional principles rather than force or violence.
Chief Justice Chandrachud explained the reasoning behind the change: “The law is not blind, and neither should its enforcers be. The blindfolded figure was a product of colonial influence. Today, we want justice to be transparent and aware, grounded in the values enshrined in our Constitution.”
In place of the sword, the scales have been retained in the statue to emphasize the balance of justice, representing fairness and equality in the courts. The Chief Justice’s office confirmed that this shift aligns with modern Indian values and reaffirms the role of the judiciary as a defender of constitutional rights.
The new statue, prominently placed at the judges’ library in the Supreme Court, has drawn praise from legal experts for breaking away from outdated symbols and embracing a contemporary vision of justice. With this bold move, the Supreme Court reasserts its commitment to upholding the Constitution as the foundation of India’s legal system.
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