Unveiling of New Justice Statue at Supreme Court Reveals Startling Transformation
The recent unveiling of a new Lady of Justice statue in the Supreme Court saw the removal of the blindfold and the replacement of the sword with the Constitution in one of its hands. This change was made to convey the message that the law in the country is not blind and does not symbolize punishment.
The blindfold, traditionally representing equality before the law, signifies that courts should not discriminate based on wealth, power, or other forms of status. On the other hand, the sword symbolizes authority and the power to punish injustice.
Commissioned by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the new statue in the judges’ library features eyes that are open and holds the Constitution in place of the sword. This gesture is viewed as a step towards moving away from the colonial legacy, similar to the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws like the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Per reputable sources within the Chief Justice’s office, Justice Chandrachud advocates for India to progress beyond its British influence and asserts that the law is impartial, treating everyone equally.
As a result, the Chief Justice proposed a modification to the traditional depiction of the Lady of Justice. It was suggested that the statue should no longer hold a sword, but instead, wield the Constitution in one hand to emphasize the principle of dispensing justice in accordance with constitutional laws. The removal of the sword, symbolizing violence, is intended to communicate to the nation that justice is administered through legal means.
The source further explained that the scales of justice, held in the right hand, were preserved as a representation of balance in society. It signifies that courts carefully weigh the arguments and evidence presented by both parties before rendering a verdict.
