Supreme Court Gets A New ‘Lady Justice’ That’s Not Blindfolded & Holds The Constitution

The Supreme Court of India recently unveiled a reimagined statue of Lady Justice, now standing with her eyes open and holding the Constitution in her hand, replacing the customary sword and removing the blindfold. This transformation, commissioned by outgoing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, reflects a shift in how justice is perceived in India’s evolving legal system, reported The Independent.

Image source

The most striking change is the removal of the blindfold – a symbol that has long represented the impartiality of justice.

For centuries, Lady Justice, blindfolded, has conveyed the idea that the law does not see the identities, power, or privilege of those who come before it. However, this new subtraction signals a different philosophy – the law sees. It is aware, vigilant, and conscious of the rights and realities of all individuals, ensuring that everyone is treated equally before it.

Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized this point during the unveiling, stating, “The law is not blind; it sees everyone equally.”

Image source

The open eyes of Lady Justice now symbolize a legal system that is not indifferent to the struggles of those it serves but instead observes and acknowledges them fully. This shift moves away from colonial-era ideals and aligns with India’s renewed focus on constitutional values rather than retributive justice.

In place of the sword, which traditionally represented authority and punishment, the statue now holds the Indian Constitution.

This change highlights a commitment to safeguarding rights and upholding equality, as enshrined in the Constitution.

What hasn’t changed are the scales of justice which continue to symbolize balance, ensuring that both sides of a case are weighed fairly before a decision is reached.

This redesign marks a significant moment in India’s legal history, as the statue now stands as a reminder that justice is not only about impartiality but also about awareness and inclusivity.

📣 Storypick is now on Telegram! Click here to join our channel (@storypick) and never miss another great story.