India's Supreme Court re cently unveiled a new statue of Lad’ Justice, an iconic sym bol of the judiciary, marking a significant departure from traditional representations rooted in colonial heritage. Traditionally depicted as blindfolded, holding scales and a sword, this new version portrays her with open eyes, dressed in a saree, and holding the Constitution instead of a sword.
This transformation reflects an intentional move by the judiciary to break free from the colonial past and to better align with Indian cultural values and constitutional principles. It speaks volumes about the spirit of a judicial vision that is becoming more aware, inclusive, and attuned to the complexities of contemporary Indian society.
The open-eyed Lady Justice has profound symbolic value. The absence of the blindfold is particularly significant in a country like India, where inequality, caste, gender discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities persist.
The conventional blindfold, intended to symbolize impartiality, is inadequate in addressing India’s diverse realities. Justice in India cannot be blind to the systemic injustices deeply rooted in its social fabric. The judiciary, by embodying this open-eyed figure, is expressing a commitment to seeing and addressing the country's unique challenges.
At the same time, the shift from the sword, a symbol of au thority and punishment, to the Constitution signifies a more democratic and rights-based approach to justice.
The Constitution is the sup reme law of India, enshrining the values of equality, liberty, and fraternity, and this new depiction of Lady Justice reaffirms the judiciary’s role as the guardian of those principles.
It underscores that the judiciary’s power should come not from the ability to punish, but from its dedication to upholding constitutional morality and protecting individual rights.
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The symbolism marks an enlightened vision for India's judiciary. Yet, this gesture contrasts with the pressing challenges within the system, especially the vast backlog of cases. As of January 2024, the Supreme Court alone has over 80,000 pending cases, and more than 58 lakh cases are stuck across various high courts, with some dating back over 30 years. The delays disproportionately affect marginalized communities, often forcing them through a drawn-out, costly legal process
