In a significant departure from tradition, the statue symbolizing justice has been reimagined.
The familiar figure, once depicted with a blindfold, now stands confidently unmasked at the Supreme Court judges’ library, holding a book of the Constitution. This change represents a meaningful shift in the portrayal of justice, sparking both curiosity and discussion.
The blindfold traditionally represented equality before the law, suggesting that courts remain impartial to the wealth, power, or social status of those who appear before them. In contrast, the sword symbolized authority and the power to enforce justice.
The new statue, commissioned by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, features an open-eyed figure holding the Constitution in her left hand instead of a sword. This alteration is part of a broader effort to move away from colonial legacies, akin to the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws, such as the Indian Penal Code, with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
According to sources close to the Chief Justice’s office, Justice Chandrachud advocates for India to transcend its British legacy, emphasizing that the law sees everyone equally. He proposed that the Lady of Justice should hold the Constitution rather than a sword, conveying that justice is delivered in accordance with constitutional principles rather than through violence.
The sources also noted that the scales of justice in her right hand have been retained, as they symbolize balance in society and the careful consideration of facts and arguments from both sides before the court reaches a conclusion.
Comments
Post a Comment