The statue of a blindfolded woman, known as Lady Justice, has long been a powerful symbol in our collective consciousness, representing the ideal that the law is impartial.
Seen in Bollywood films, literature, and even on rock album covers, Lady Justice has become synonymous with the phrase “the law is blind.” However, recent developments have brought a fresh perspective to this iconic figure.
India on Thursday has unveiled a transformed version of the Lady Justice statue at the Supreme Court, signaling a departure from the traditional imagery. This new statue, located in the judges’ library, has shed its blindfold and sword, now holding the Indian Constitution instead.
This change aims to convey the message that the law is not blind but rather attentive to the needs of all citizens.
Symbolism of Lady Justice
Traditionally, Lady Justice is depicted with 3 key elements: a blindfold, scales, and a sword. Each symbolizes a core principle of justice:
The Blindfold
This represents impartiality, signifying that justice should be administered without bias, treating everyone equally regardless of wealth, power, or social status. The ideal of “law is blind” is embodied in this figure, which weighs arguments based solely on facts and law.
The Scales
Representing balance and fairness, the scales have been retained in the new statue to emphasize the judiciary’s role in weighing both sides of an argument before reaching a verdict.
The Sword
Symbolizing the power and authority of the law, the sword is often shown as double-edged, indicating that the law can both protect and punish.
Thus, Lady Justice encapsulates the ideals of impartiality, fairness, and enforcement.
Historical Context
The figure of Lady Justice traces its origins to ancient Greek and Roman iconography, where she served as the allegorical representation of law and moral authority. In ancient Greece, Themis, a Titaness depicted with scales and a sword, was associated with divine law and justice. This symbolism predates Greece, with roots in ancient Egypt, where the goddess Maat embodied truth and justice.
Modern depictions of Lady Justice are largely derived from Justitia, the Roman goddess of justice. Over time, her imagery became associated with Christian values and gained prominence during the Renaissance, leading to her appearance in courtrooms and legal texts, aligned with emerging legal systems.
Colonial Legacy in India
While Lady Justice embodies ideals of impartiality and fairness, her history in India is intertwined with colonialism.
The recent commissioning of a new statue by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is viewed as an effort to break away from this colonial legacy, especially as the country embraces new legal frameworks like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Under British rule, Lady Justice became a prominent symbol in India as the British introduced their own legal system, dismantling existing regional frameworks. This led to a standardized legal code, with the British legal hierarchy becoming a lasting legacy.
The Indian Penal Code, introduced during this time, has only recently been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The presence of Lady Justice statues outside Indian courthouses serves as a reminder of this colonial past.
As India steps into a new era of legal reform, the reimagining of Lady Justice signifies a move towards an identity rooted in Indian values, signaling a break from the colonial past and an embrace of a more inclusive and contemporary legal system.
