“Justice sees everyone equally”: Supreme Court unveils new 'Lady Justice' statue symbolising modern Indian legal ideals

The familiar ' Lady Justice' statue, long associated with courts and legal institutions, has been redesigned by the Supreme Court of India as part of an effort to move away from its colonial legacy. Traditionally depicted with a blindfold and a sword, the statue’s updated version removes the blindfold and replaces the sword with the Constitution, signaling a new era for Indian justice.

Symbolic Change: Blindfold Removed
The statue of 'Lady Justice,' previously blindfolded to symbolize impartiality, has now had the blindfold removed in the Supreme Court’s updated version. The move was led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who emphasized that "the law is not blind; it sees everyone equally."

According to NDTV sources, this change reflects the Indian judiciary’s evolving identity, one that no longer relies on colonial symbols to represent justice. The new statue, installed in the judges' library, stands as a symbol of the judiciary’s commitment to this modern perspective.

The blindfold, traditionally meant to represent equality before the law and the idea that courts should be blind to wealth, power, or status, has been removed to align with a more contemporary interpretation of justice. CJI Chandrachud has made it clear that "justice sees everyone equally," signaling that the judiciary's role is not just about punishing but about upholding constitutional values that promote fairness and equality.

Constitution in Place of Sword
One of the most striking changes in the new statue is the replacement of the sword with the Constitution in 'Lady Justice’s' left hand. While the sword in the previous statue symbolized punishment and authority, the Constitution represents a more balanced and principled approach to justice. The scales, a key feature in both the old and new statues, remain unchanged, representing fairness and the weighing of evidence impartially.

A source from the Chief Justice's office explained, “The sword is a symbol of violence, but courts deliver justice according to constitutional laws. The new statue aims to reflect this principle.” The Constitution’s inclusion signifies that justice is now dispensed based on the legal framework that ensures equality and fairness for all citizens.

A Step Away from Colonial Tradition
The redesign of 'Lady Justice' coincides with broader efforts to move away from British-era traditions in Indian law, including the recent overhaul of colonial-era laws such as the Indian Penal Code. CJI Chandrachud has been a key advocate of these changes, emphasizing that the country must break free from the symbols and laws of its colonial past.

According to top sources associated with the Chief Justice’s office, "Justice Chandrachud believes that India should move forward from the British legacy, and that the law is never blind; it sees everyone equally.” This belief is reflected in the updated statue, which is intended to represent the Constitution as the ultimate source of justice, rather than the power to punish.

Retaining the Scales of Justice
Though the sword has been replaced, the scales in 'Lady Justice’s' right hand have been retained. These scales continue to symbolize the balance of justice, ensuring that courts weigh the facts and arguments from both sides before reaching a fair and impartial decision. As the Chief Justice’s office source noted, “The scales of justice represent balance in society, and the idea that facts and arguments by both sides are weighed by courts before arriving at a conclusion.”

The changes to 'Lady Justice' also align with other recent efforts to reform India’s legal system and update its image, such as the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which seeks to modernize India’s legal framework.

New Era for Indian Justice
The unveiling of the redesigned statue signifies a larger shift in how the Indian judiciary sees its role in society. As a symbol, 'Lady Justice' no longer wears a blindfold but has her eyes open, reflecting the evolving perspective of the judiciary. With the Constitution in her hand, she represents a justice system that is no longer focused on punishment but rather on ensuring fairness and equality based on constitutional principles.

This move away from colonial symbols, spearheaded by CJI Chandrachud, highlights India’s continuing effort to embrace its own identity in the legal realm. As the country steps into a new era of justice, the redesigned 'Lady Justice' stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to fairness, equality, and constitutional values.