‘Law is not blind’: The updated depiction of Lady Justice aligns with ongoing efforts to move away from colonial-era legacies, including the replacement of the colonial penal code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
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In a move aimed at shedding colonial influences, the statue of Lady Justice in the judges’ library of the Supreme Court has undergone a significant transformation. The statue now holds a copy of the Indian Constitution instead of a sword, and her blindfold has been removed, revealing open eyes.
This change, commissioned at the direction of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, represents a shift in the symbolism associated with justice in India. Traditionally, the blindfold was meant to signify equality before the law, indicating that justice should not be influenced by the status, wealth, or power of the individuals involved. The sword, on the other hand, historically represented authority and the capacity to punish wrongdoing.
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The updated depiction of Lady Justice aligns with ongoing efforts to move away from colonial-era legacies, including the replacement of the colonial penal code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The new imagery of Lady Justice emphasises that the law in India is designed to treat everyone equally, as mandated by the Constitution. It underscores the idea that the Constitution’s might, rather than the threat of punishment, should guide the justice delivery process.
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While the sword has been replaced, Lady Justice still holds the scales of justice in her right hand. This element remains crucial, symbolising the need for balance and the careful consideration of facts and arguments from both sides before reaching a verdict. The scales serve as a reminder that justice should be delivered fairly and impartially.
During the CJI’s tenure, the top court has taken significant steps toward modernisation, including live-streaming Constitution Bench proceedings on YouTube. It has also utilised artificial intelligence and natural language processing technology for live transcription of these important hearings.
