Supreme Court unveils New Lady of Justice statue | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a symbolic move to modernize the representation of justice in India, the Supreme Court has unveiled a new statue of the Lady of Justice.

It replaced the traditional blindfold and sword with an open-eyed figure holding the Constitution.

This change, commissioned by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, signifies a shift away from colonial legacies and underscores the importance of justice being both visible and guided by the Constitution.

Traditionally, the Lady of Justice was depicted with a blindfold, symbolising impartiality and equality before the law, while the sword represented authority and the power to punish.

However, the new statue reflects a different approach. By opening the eyes of the figure, it conveys that justice in India is not blind but sees everyone equally, regardless of their status or influence.

Chief Justice Chandrachud is keen to move away from outdated symbols tied to British colonial rule, just as India has replaced colonial-era laws with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

According to sources close to the Chief Justice, he believes that the law should be seen as a fair and equal force, not a punitive one.

This is why the sword, often associated with violence, has been replaced by the Constitution in the statue’s left hand, sending a clear message that justice is delivered in accordance with constitutional principles.

The scales of justice, traditionally held in the right hand, remain in place. They continue to represent balance, fairness, and weighing facts and arguments from both sides before the courts reach a verdict.

This new statue, located in the judges’ library, serves as a powerful reminder that the judiciary’s role is to uphold constitutional values while ensuring justice is accessible and equal for all.

Through this updated representation, India signals its commitment to progressive and inclusive legal principles, leaving behind the symbols of colonial authority.

Image Credit: Subhashish Panigrahi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Supreme_Court_of_India_01.jpg