Introduction
The Supreme Court of India introduces a remodelled ‘Lady Justice Statue’ with significant differences from traditional representation carrying a transformative change in the judicial outlook of the country. Historically, Lady Justice is portrayed with a blindfold symbolising impartiality and holding a sword signifying the power to punish whereas the modern-day imagery provides a snapshot of fairness and equality in the justice system. These deliberate changes suggest a shift in how the judiciary perceives justice in the present times.
The CJI DY Chandrachud commissioned this statue in the light of adopting modern justice values, to shed colonial legacy and uphold the Indian footprints reflecting that “Law is not blind; it sees everyone equally” As stated by him in the unveiling ceremony.
Historical Background
The history of the Lady Justice statue can be traced back to Roman and Greek times. It was perceived as Lady Justitia, Goddess of Justice in Roman mythology without a blindfold. In the Greek times, Themis, one of the 12 Titans born to Gaea and Uranus is known as the goddess of justice, wisdom, and good counsel — and is often depicted as a woman holding scales in one hand and a sword in the other. Themis like Justitia did not wear a blindfold.
It was during the Renaissance period. (14th century), that the blindfold was added signalling a critical view on the amoral legal practices flourishing within the judicial system is titled “The Fool Blindfolding Justice” with a sword in one hand and scales in the other.
It was witnessed at the time of the Enlightenment period. (17th century) that the image attained its new meaning moved away from its satirical connotation and came to be interpreted as impartial.
In India, the British Raj introduced the iconography of Lady Justice which can be witnessed in the courts in the current times. Lady Justice was first installed at the Calcutta High Court in 1872 with her eyes blindfolded in some cases and open in the others. The Bombay High Court also features the imagery without a blindfold.
The modern-day, six-foot-tall statue now placed in the judges’ library is a saree-clad woman without the blindfold, holding scales and a copy of the constitution of India is designed by Vinod Goswami, a muralist who teaches at the College of Art in Delhi.
Traditional Justice Vs Modern Justice
The significant changes in the updated symbolic representation of the Lady Justice Statue are construed with notable distinctions from the traditional icon in the view to endorse the modern take on justice, embrace modern justice values, adopt a newer version of law and equality and make an exit from the colonial-era laws. These are explained below –
Lady Justice without Blindfold: A New Vision of Equality
Traditionally, Lady Justice has been depicted with a blindfold signalling the idea that justice should be administered without prejudice or bias irrespective of wealth, power and social status. Simply put, it conveys the idea that justice is delivered without regard to external factors such as social status, gender, political connections, or any other characteristic.
Currently, in the redesigned edition, the blindfold is removed symbolising that the law is vigilant, informed and has knowledge about the complexities within the society. It carries a powerful message that law with open eyes delivers every judgement with fairness by serving every individual in a just manner. This principle is thus fundamental to the rule of law.
This valiant redefined version reflects an acknowledgement that justice, in a modern democracy, must be open to the context, social realities, or individual circumstances. By keeping its blindfold removed, it recognizes the view to take into consideration the fully realized reality that goes beyond impartiality to promote fairness, equity and justice within the society.
Therefore, open eyes emphasise the Indian judiciary’s well-defined effort to move forward and uphold the commitment to do justice with a more vigilant approach, actively ensuring equality for all.
The Constitution In and Sword Out
Another noteworthy change in the updated representation is that it has replaced the sword with a copy of the constitution book in the left hand symbolising that justice in India is rooted in democratic principles and constitutional values. The earlier form holding a sword signified authority, power and punishment emphasising a punitive approach.
However, this shift focuses towards securing the foundational footprints and embracing Indian legal ideals in safeguarding the citizens’ rights rather than employing a retributive approach. Shifting from such practices shows a commitment to uphold rights and fairness in the eye of the Constitution against symbols of colonial authority and violence.
A senior official from CJI’s office explained “The sword is a symbol of violence, but courts deliver justice according to constitutional law. The new statute aims to reflect this principle..”
This perspective, therefore, encapsulates the modern justice values imbibed in safeguarding the citizens’ rights by embracing the Constitution.
Saree-Clad Woman: Embracing Indian Ideals
In its new form, the lady is adorning a saree which is gratifying Indian aesthetics by exemplifying Indian tradition. This embodiment comes in the wake of saying goodbye to the previous design, which was influenced by Western tradition. Aligning the modern ideal with tradition goes beyond more than making the statue not just a legal icon but a representation of the country’s values and identity.
Unchanged Scales of Justice: Balanced approach
While many changes have been incorporated, the scales in Lady’s Justice right hand remain unchanged. The scales represent the delicate balance of justice- impartial weighing of evidence, hearing both sides before delivering the judgement.
One of the officials stated “The scales of justice represent balance in society and the idea that facts and arguments by both sides are weighed by courts before concluding..
This enduring element reflects the Supreme Court’s resolution to maintain balance as well as neutrality in the pursuit of justice.
Departure from colonial-era symbols
The redesign is a manifestation aimed at shedding the colonial influences and asserting a progressive justice system that reflects India’s values and aspirations. Earlier as well legal system has taken a step in this direction by replacing colonial-era criminal laws such as the IPC. with the BNS Reflecting the nation’s ongoing efforts to endure Indian legal ideals.
CJI has always been vocal about the need to leave behind British-era symbols and make a move in the direction of keeping alive the country’s embodiment and identity.
Why this change is significant?
Under the rule of the British Raj, the laws were more inclined towards duty but as the judiciary is evolving the current judicial system raises the need for the present laws to be rights-oriented keeping in view the enforceable fundamental rights. Thus, it becomes necessary to transform the British legacy and carry forward the Indian footprints. Therefore, Lady Justice renovation is a purposeful act that seeks to move away from manifestations of the colonial-era laws which were more duty-oriented rather than realizing the rights of the citizens which is interminably important to protect the integrity of the judicial apparatus.
Furthermore, the changing societal attitudes advocate the need to adopt the evolving legal norms and practices. As societies become more dynamic, there emerges a growing recognition to understanding of the importance of ensuring that legal systems are fair, equitable, transparent and accountable to the needs of all the society members.
Conclusion
The Britishers were removed from India several years ago but their rule imprints are still regulating our lives to some extent. Therefore, it becomes imperative for us to leave behind the footprints of colonial times and endorse our Indian values. The revamp of the Lady Justice statue; a symbol of Justice is one such good initiative in this conduct. This reflects a shift in how justice should be perceived in the nation’s legal system. Additionally, it acknowledges the pivotal effort to break away from colonial ideals.
Moreover, this transformation represents an interminable importance in upholding the commitment to making the legal system more open, aware, fair and based on Indian values, ensuring equality. With this transformation, a bold message remarks that justice in India is no longer blind, it is firmly grounded in the principles of the constitution.
The symbol of justice provides us with a stark reminder that evolving with the changing times is of utmost importance otherwise it poses us with several questions, “Can justice be provided to female victims without the enforcement of updated anti-rape laws?”, “Can our today’s understanding of justice align with previous non-existence laws like, “The Domestic Violence Act 2005 or cyber defamation laws?”
The overhauled symbolic representation of justice provides us with clear answers.
Author(s) Name: Kriti Tyagi (SVKM’S Jitendra Chauhan College of Law , Mumbai University)
