Following the unveiling of the statue of Lady Justice, which features her eyes open and the Constitution of India in one hand, the Supreme Court Bar Association on Thursday has voiced strong discontent over the alterations made to the statue without prior consultation.
The SCBA’s resolution highlights its objection to these modifications, as well as to the proposed museum in the Judges’ library.
In its statement, the Bar Association expressed its confusion over the rationale for these changes, emphasizing that it feels “clueless” about the motivations behind them. SCBA President Kapil Sibal specifically criticized the “unilateral” decisions made by the Supreme Court administration under Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud.
In a letter, the Executive Committee of the SCBA noted, “It is observed…that recently some radical changes have been brought in by the Supreme Court unilaterally, like the change of its emblem and the alteration of the statue of Lady Justice, without consultation with the Bar.”
The letter further emphasized that the legal community sees itself as an equal stakeholder in the administration of justice and feels sidelined by these developments.
The SCBA’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment within the legal community regarding the importance of collaborative decision-making, especially in matters that symbolize justice and the judiciary’s integrity. The changes to the statue, a significant emblem of legal authority, have sparked a debate about transparency and inclusion in the processes that shape the judiciary’s public image.
The proposed museum in the Judges’ library has also raised eyebrows. Members of the Bar Association argue that such projects should be discussed openly with legal professionals to ensure that the history and values of the judiciary are appropriately represented.
As discussions continue, the SCBA is urging the Supreme Court administration to engage with its members more actively, fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual respect. The legal community is keen to ensure that its voice is heard, especially regarding changes that impact the representation of justice in India.
Overall, this situation serves as a reminder of the need for dialogue between the judiciary and the legal profession, ensuring that significant changes are approached with collective input and consensus.
The SCBA remains committed to advocating for its members and preserving the integrity of the justice system as a collaborative effort.
