The Supreme Court of India recently unveiled a redesigned version of the iconic ‘Lady Justice’ statue, marking a bold departure from its colonial legacy. Traditionally depicted with a blindfold and a sword, the new statue now features Lady Justice with open eyes and the Indian Constitution in place of the sword, symbolizing the judiciary’s commitment to constitutional values and justice that “sees everyone equally.”
Lady Justice’s Eyes Open, Blindfold Removed
The removal of Lady Justice’s blindfold represents more than just a visual change; it symbolizes a profound shift in how justice is perceived in modern India. For centuries, the blindfold has been associated with impartiality and equality before the law, suggesting that justice should be delivered without bias. However, the newly unveiled statue, with open eyes, reflects the judiciary’s awareness and vigilance in ensuring justice for all.
During the unveiling, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud explained, “The law is not blind; it sees everyone equally.” His statement highlights the evolution of the Indian legal system, distancing itself from the colonial era’s rigid symbols. The open-eyed Lady Justice now stands proudly in the Supreme Court’s judges’ library, embodying a system of justice that is inclusive, watchful, and rooted in constitutional principles.
Constitution Replaces the Sword
Another striking aspect of the new Lady Justice statue is the replacement of the sword with the Constitution of India. Traditionally, the sword symbolized authority and punishment. However, the Constitution’s inclusion reflects a more balanced and principled approach to justice. It represents the judiciary’s role in upholding rights, equality, and fairness, rather than merely enforcing punitive measures.
A senior official from the Chief Justice’s office explained the significance of this change: “The sword is a symbol of violence, but courts deliver justice according to constitutional laws. The new statue aims to reflect this principle.” By prioritizing the Constitution, the statue conveys that justice is not about retribution but about protecting and upholding the rights enshrined in India’s supreme legal document.
Breaking Free from Colonial Legacy
This redesign of the Lady Justice statue aligns with a broader effort by the Indian judiciary to shed its colonial past. In recent years, legal reforms such as the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) have underscored this shift. Chief Justice Chandrachud has consistently emphasized the need for India’s judiciary to break away from British-era laws and symbols, advocating for a legal system that is more reflective of India’s democratic and constitutional ethos.
As a source close to the Chief Justice remarked, “Justice Chandrachud believes that India should move forward from the British legacy, and that the law is never blind; it sees everyone equally.” This philosophy is now embodied in the redesigned Lady Justice statue, which presents the Constitution as the ultimate source of justice in India.
Retaining the Scales of Justice
While the statue has undergone significant changes, one key symbol remains unchanged—the scales of justice. Held in Lady Justice’s right hand, the scales continue to represent the impartial weighing of evidence, ensuring that all arguments and facts are considered equally before a verdict is delivered.
As an official explained, “The scales of justice represent balance in society, and the idea that facts and arguments by both sides are weighed by courts before arriving at a conclusion.” This traditional symbol remains a core aspect of the new statue, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to fairness and impartiality.
A New Era for Justice in India
The redesigned Lady Justice statue is more than just a work of art—it is a powerful representation of India’s evolving legal identity. By shedding colonial symbols like the blindfold and sword, and replacing them with open eyes and the Constitution, the Supreme Court signals its dedication to a justice system that is aware, inclusive, and deeply rooted in constitutional values.
This shift, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, represents a new era for justice in India—one that moves away from punitive approaches and embraces the protection of rights and equality for all citizens. The new Lady Justice statue now stands as a testament to these principles, reminding all who enter the Supreme Court of its unwavering commitment to constitutional justice.
