A new monument of the ‘Justice Lady’ has been revealed by the Supreme Court, recreating the image that is commonly associated with legal practice worldwide: a blindfolded woman clutching a sword in one hand and a set of scales in the other.
The judges’ library now has a six-foot-tall statue of a woman wearing a saree. Without a blindfold, holding scales and a copy of the Indian Constitution in place of a sword.
According to Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, who commissioned the statue, the blindfold in the traditional version has come to symbolize the impartiality of justice. While the new statue with unhindered vision is intended to convey the message that “Law is not blind; it sees everyone equally.”
The new version of the statue, created by muralist Vinod Goswami, who teaches at Delhi’s College of Art, follows legal reforms including the new criminal codes and the declared goal of “decolonizing” India’s legal system.
Everything about Justice Lady
Ancient Greek and Roman imagery is the source of the classic representation of Lady Justice. Complete with her sword, robe, and blindfold.
The goddess Themis, who represented heavenly justice and law, was frequently depicted in ancient Greek art with a sword and scales. Similarly, Justitia, their goddess of justice, served as the model for Lady Justice in Roman mythology.
In India, Lady Justice’s blindfold represented equality before the law, guaranteeing that justice be administered without regard to one’s riches, position, or power. The phrase “Law is blind” was borrowed by courts from the blindfold.
On the other hand, the sword has historically represented the power of the law. Its dual meaning is that justice has the power to both protect and punish. The scales stood for justice and balance, emphasizing that judges consider all sides of an issue before rendering a decision.
The Lady Justice first appeared in the Indian judicial system during the British colonial era. It has since evolved into a vital representation of the legal system.
What has changed?
A new edition of Lady Justice was commissioned for the Supreme Court justices’ library by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
The 6.5-foot fiberglass figure’s creator, artist Vinod Goswami, told The Times of India that following weeks of deliberations and sketches. The new idea for “Nyay Devi” surfaced and was decided to best represent Indian culture and tradition.
The most obvious alteration is the substitution of open eyes for Lady Justice’s customary blindfold.
According to CJI Chandrachud, this change demonstrated the judiciary’s dedication to justice that “sees all equally.” “The law is not blind; it sees everyone equally,” he underlined during the unveiling, according to reports.
Reactions from netizens to the new statue of Justice Lady
On social media, the new statute also generated conflicting opinions.
In reference to the delays in the Indian legal system, one user said. “The thing Lady Justice needs the most is a watch.”
Removing the blindfold demonstrated “tremendous self-awareness,” according to another user, who also noted that Indian law is “anything but impartial.”
“It was never blind… It meant the law will not be biased on any caste, religion, and gender before serving justice,” claimed another person.
There were even some recommendations such as “Put the blindfold on judge’s eyes for fair judgment.”
However, the basic aesthetics disappointed a lot of people. However, in numerous situations that have been pending for months or years, the law has not been able to deliver justice.
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