The Supreme Court of India recently unveiled a new statue of the Goddess of Justice, which is noticeably different from tradition. As the Supreme Court removes the blindfold, the new design is unlike the classic depiction representing a shift of perspective—not suggesting anymore “the law is blind.” Instead, this alteration signifies that justice in India must be fully aware, contextual, and sensitive to the complexities of society.
The new statue of the Goddess of Justice also substitutes the conventional sword with a book, that is, the Indian Constitution. Supreme Court removes the blindfold so that it represents the concept that justice is now meted out through constitutional tenets and not forceful authority. However, the scales remain very much in the right hand of the statue; this symbolises a commitment on behalf of the court towards weighing both sides of every argument.
Supreme Court removes the blindfold from the eyes of “Goddess of Justice”, eyes bigger vision at legal scale
The new statue of the Goddess of Justice, to be installed in the Supreme Court library that is reserved only for Supreme Court judges, has been ordered under the aegis of CJI DY Chandrachud. It forms part of a larger vision of weaning India’s legal system off colonial legacies. It becomes timely now to remove the blindfold, said to be traditionally associated with impartiality. The judiciary should be open and vigilant, for it has to ensure that all kinds of people irrespective of their wealth or status get equal justice.
At a time when India has recently replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code with a new version, it is only apt that a new statue of the Goddess of Justice comes along too, emphasizing the country’s intent to evolve its judicial philosophy. Modernization of the judiciary and broader national commitment to constitutional justice, fairness, and equity in a post-colonial era would seem to be the themes of the change.
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