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An all new statue of Lady Justice a.k.a न्याय की देवी has been revealed by the Supreme Court of India. From the previous westernised adoption to the all new Indian avatar, Lady Justice finally resonates with Indian culture and values.
The new statue of Lady Justice, commissioned by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud was unveiled on 16th October 2024. This is an attempt to move away from the colonial-era symbolisms in Indian judicial system. CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has been vocal about his vision to make judiciary more accessible, transparent and suitable to the needs of contemporary India. In alignment with his vision, the new statue emphasizes that justice is not blind, it is impartial and actively engaged in understanding the nuances of case and act accordingly.
Origins of Lady Justice
Lady Justice has a rich history and symbolism in western legal traditions. The concept can be traced back to ancient mythologies. In greek mythology, Themis, goddess of divine order, law and justice is depicted holding scales and a sword. Themis’s daughter Dike also represents justice and is portrayed holding scales. Romans too have their version of Lady Justice, also known as “Justitia” with similar symbols. She embodies fairness, equity and law and is depicted as a key figure in judicial settings.
Over time, the figure of Lady Justice became a universal symbol of judicial systems worldwide, embodying the values of fairness, impartiality, and authority. Courts and legal institutions across various countries adopted this imagery as a representation of their commitment to uphold justice. It became a visual shorthand for integrity, impartiality, and the rule of law.
During the colonial-era, Lady justice was introduced by the Britishers and since then has been an integral part of Indian Judiciary. The entire depiction and symbolism of Lady Justice have been western and never depicted true values that India upholds. Hence, this change was long awaited and necessary.
Key Representative Elements of Lady Justice, Changes and Symbolism
1. The Blindfold Removed:
The blindfold was added to the statue of Lady Justice in the 16th century to symbolize impartiality. It indicated that justice should be delivered without bias, regardless of identity, status, or influence. The blindfold was a reminder that the law must not see external factors like caste, status, gender, position in society, wealth etc when making decisions. This feature became iconic over centuries, representing the idea that justice is “blind” to prejudice, personal feelings, or external pressures.
The Lady Justice is no longer blindfolded. The shift away from the blindfold marks a departure from this long-standing global tradition, favouring a representation that is culturally in sync with India’s culture and values. Through this change India’s judicial system wants to position itself as vigilant and watchful, without blind application of rules.
2. The Scales Redesigned:
The scales signify fairness and balance. They are used to weigh evidence impartially and decide cases based on merit. Lady Justice holding the scales indicates that every case is considered on its own, with equal weight given to all sides of the argument. The scales also serve as a metaphor for measuring the strengths of a case, ensuring that the outcome is equitable and justified.
3. The Sword Removed:
The sword represents authority, power, and enforcement. It is a symbol of the court’s ability to administer justice and enforce the law. The sword’s presence suggests that justice is not merely theoretical but actionable, with consequences for wrongdoing. Previously, this was depicted facing downwards, implying a stance of peace but readiness to act decisively if needed.
In the new avatar of Lady Justice, is seen holding a copy of ‘The constitution of India’ instead of the sword. This represents judiciary’s stance against the wrongdoing will be upheld as per the Indian constitution.
4. Attire Changed:
There has been a significant shift in the attire of the Lady Justice. From previous roman styled dressing to the new Indian saree along with intricate jewellery depicts India women with strength. The new Lady Justice is also seen wearing a crown which is befitting and seen in the representation of Indian Goddesses.
These changes collectively reflect a shift towards a more vigilant, culturally resonant, and assertive depiction of justice. They aim to convey that the Indian judiciary is both rooted in tradition and capable of adapting to modern needs and sensibilities.
5. Facial Expression and Posture
The previous Lady Justice had her eyes blindfolded and no expressions were visible on her face. Also she had a stance of a warrior, ready to strike. The new depiction of Lady Justice has a much more calmer, empathetic and attentive expression. This aligns with the theme of vigilance, thoughtfulness and awareness. The posture of the lady is more upright depicting strength and alertness. It symbolises that the lady stands firm, ready to deliver justice.
By giving Lady Justice a new avatar, the Supreme Court aims to create a symbol that is less reflective of the colonial past and more resonant with Indian values. This shift symbolizes a move towards reclaiming cultural identity and shedding remnants of colonial influence.
The modern Indian judiciary is not just a passive observer but actively engages with societal issues, upholding rights, ensuring accountability, and interpreting laws in a manner that suits the evolving social fabric.
