Law is not blind: Supreme Court’s new Lady Justice statue removes blindfold, replaces sword with Constitution

BY: THE LEX TIMES

A new statue of the Lady of Justice has been unveiled at the Supreme Court, marking a symbolic departure from its traditional design. Notably, the blindfold, which typically signifies impartiality, has been removed, and the sword in the statue’s left hand has been replaced by the Indian Constitution.

Additionally, the Lady of Justice is now depicted wearing a saree, replacing the Western robe, to reflect Indian cultural heritage. This transformation is viewed as part of a broader initiative to modernize India’s justice system and move away from colonial-era symbolism.

Commissioned under the guidance of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the statue, situated in the Supreme Court’s Judges’ Library, represents the idea that justice in India is not blind but sees all citizens equally. The attire change highlights a deeper connection to Indian traditions. These alterations align with the larger trend of replacing colonial laws, such as the Indian Penal Code, with contemporary legal frameworks like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

While the blindfold has been removed to signify the court’s clear and equal vision, the scales of justice in the statue’s right hand remain intact, symbolizing the balance maintained in legal proceedings. This shift is seen as part of the Chief Justice’s vision for a judiciary grounded in Indian identity and constitutional values.