The Supreme Court of India inaugurated a new statue of ‘Lady Justice’ on its grounds, indicating a dramatic move toward prioritising constitutional values above traditional symbols. Presented on October 16, 2024, this reinvented statue replaces Lady Justice’s conventional sword with a copy of the Indian Constitution, reflecting India’s devotion to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
The Greek Origins of Lady Justice
Lady Justice, symbolised as a blindfolded woman armed with scales and a sword, represents the principles of justice and fairness in the law. Her roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, particularly Greek and Roman mythology, where deities such as Themis and Justitia represented the justice of the divine.
Over time, the Renaissance’s artistic rebirth and Mediaeval Christian beliefs influenced the way she was represented. Lady Justice is now recognized not only as a judicial symbolism, but also as a reminder of the ongoing quest for impartiality in the face of historical challenges.
India’s SC symbolises a shift from colonial traditions to modern values
The new statue of ‘Lady Justice’ breaks away from the traditional Western representation of justice. To represent fairness and the prompt administration of justice, Lady Justice was traditionally portrayed with a sword and scales in her hands while wearing a blindfold.
Nonetheless, the new statue honours India’s uniqueness by depicting Lady Justice holding the Constitution in place of a sword and wearing a saree, a tribute to Indian culture. This modification separates the statue from motifs of law and order from the colonial past and highlights the growing focus on constitutional ideals in modern India.
Check Out the Key Differences between the Old and New Statue of Lady Justice:
New Lady Justice: The Representation of Equality
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted that this statute represents equality, which is a fundamental Indian constitutional principle. The removal of the blindfold also marks an evolution from the concept of blind justice, pointing out that justice is not only impartial but also sensitive to societal complexities.
Constitutional Over Colonial Legacy
The statue additionally represents broad legal reforms in India, which are aimed at breaking the past legacy of colonialism. The latest attempts to replace colonial laws such as the Indian Penal Code with newer laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita harmonise with the statute’s theme of adopting an Indian identity based on constitutional democracy. The focus on the Constitution rather than harsh penalties reveals a progressive judiciary committed to protecting and upholding its citizens’ fundamental rights.
The Legal Perspective?
The new Lady Justice is portrayed in traditional Indian attire, holding a book of laws rather than a sword, which reflects the country’s goal to promote compassionate, equitable justice that is defined in the constitutional principles.
This new symbol underlines the principles stated in the Constitution and acts as an effective reminder of the judiciary’s duty to ensure that these values are upheld for every citizen of the country.
SOURCE– SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
Written By– Isha Sharma
Edited By– Nancy Sharma
