Lady Justice 2.0: The Contemporary Face of the Indian Judiciary

Introduction: A Universal Symbol of Justice

Illustrations of the Lady of Justice statue, whether it is in the form of paintings, sculptures, idols etc. are found throughout the globe. Should you be in North or South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Southern and Eastern Asia, Australia, or another country, you will undoubtedly come across the Lady of Justice statue in courthouses, law offices, and academic institutions. The statue of the Lady of Justice is a universally accepted symbol of Justice which is thousands of years old.

The roots of Lady Justice can be stemmed from the ancient mythology. The Greeks held Themis, the goddess of celestial law, order, and tradition, enormous reverence. Often portrayed holding scales, Themis symbolizes the weighing of accusations and evidence in the search of fairness. Her Roman equivalent, Justitia, further enlarged this pattern, conveying the concept of justice as a moral force in government.[1]

The Balance scales indicate impartiality and the obligation of the law, through its agents, to carefully balance the facts offered to the court. Each side of a legal dispute must be considered, and justice requires a balanced and impartial consideration of all arguments. Whereas, the sword represents enforcement and authority, representing that justice steadfastly enforces its choices and norms while taking action as necessary. Its unsheathed and transparent look emphasizes transparency, not dread. The double-edged blade highlights that justice can rule against either party after examining the evidence, ensuring the implementation of its verdict while defending the innocent. First appearing on a Lady Justice statue in the 16th century, the blindfold was initially seen as a sign of the judicial system’s tolerance of ignorance or abuse of the law. Today, though, it shows the impartiality and objectivity of justice, thereby indicating that law is not swayed by the influence of politics, riches, or celebrity.[2]

Throughout the history, Lady Justice has developed but it remained an ageless symbol. From ancient Greek temples to modern democracies courtrooms, she reminds everyone that justice is not just a legal concept but a moral ideal. Her figure fosters faith in the rule of law, challenging governments to achieve fairness, equality, and accountability.[3]

Lady Justice is more than a statue, she represents the essence of humanity’s everlasting pursuit of fairness, resonating throughout centuries and cultures. Her experience reminds us that justice is a cornerstone of society, demanding our continual vigilance and respect.

Lady Justice is a magnificent representation of the universal language of judicial impartiality that cuts across national and cultural boundaries in today's globalized society. Her presence resonates with a universal human quest for justice, whether in the elegant corridors of the United Nations or the historic courthouses of Asia. What most intrigues me is how various cultures have modified her image while maintaining her fundamental meaning. For example, in Brazil's Supreme Federal Court, she emphasizes transparency by staring straight at guests without a blindfold, while South Korea's interpretation skilfully combines Eastern artistic elements with Western legal symbolism. Singapore's ultramodern portrayal honours historic elements while respecting technical advancements, and she adapts to local tastes while keeping her main point in mind in a variety of countries, from Malaysia to Morocco. Lady Justice remains committed to her essential role while evolving, even in our digital age, as she can be found on legal websites and court applications. The fact that she connects judicial systems across continents strikes me as incredibly poignant as a law student, especially at a time when courts around the world are struggling due to political pressure and corruption. Her ongoing presence in both real and virtual spaces serves as a reminder that, whatever our differing perspectives on the law, seeking justice is a universal human virtue that transcends national boundaries and cultural boundaries.

Symbolism Redefined: The Indian Take on Lady Justice

With contemporary needs and challenges, India has evolved socially, legally, and philosophically. The nation continues to progress daily, addressing the emerging needs of its citizens, thereby becoming more promising and accountable to them. In October 2024, the former Chief Justice of India, Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud unveiled the new statue of Lady of Justice to serve the present and future legal system. This new interpretation has sparked widespread discussions across legal and public forums.[4] It has also raised pertinent questions about its alignment with the principles of the Indian legal system and its reflection of contemporary values. This symbolic change gracefully highlights the shift from how justice is perceived and administered in a readily evolving society. Traditionally, the Lady Justice is depicted as discussed earlier, she is a blindfolded figure holding a sword and scales, symbolizing impartiality, authority, and balance. However, the new statue which was unveiled at the Supreme Court of India has notable changes which are, that she is unblindfolded and she holds the scale in one hand, and the Constitution of India in the other. She is wearing a saree instead of Western attire resonating with Indian culture and values.[5]

Primarily, this new statue aimed to decolonise the existing features and bring the statue closer to Indian traditions. Law is no longer blind and it ‘sees’ everyone equally is proved by her open eyes, reinforcing the rule of law. These open eyes symbolized knowledge and awareness about the perplexity and variations present within society. The sword which has been replaced with the Constitution of India suggests that Justice is deeply rooted in the Constitution\rather than in the punishment. The most prominent symbol which sustained even after the change is the Scales which are held in the right hand of the lady symbolizing that courts will continue measuring evidence unbiasedly and hearing both sides before delivering their judgment.[6]

Conclusion: Towards a Justice System for the 21st Century

Fundamentally, this new statue is much more than any artistic or stylish symbolism. It is a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the Judiciary to meet the needs of our diversified nation. It highlights a justice system that is more aware, compassionate and balanced resonating more with the spirit of the Indian Constitution. This new transformation portrays a deep reflection of the society’s needs, values and aspirations. India’s revamped Statue of Justice embraces the elements of its rich culture while unifying with the modern ideals, offering a powerful narrative of inclusivity and adaption. By dropping off the colonial rudiments and adopting our very own features like saree or the constitution highlights the Judiciary’s commitment to its citizens and their unique challenges.

This new symbolism is a beacon of hope for many, serving to inspire its citizens and builds faith in judiciary by reminding that justice is not blind to their hardships but is aligned to the realities of the present. It symbolizes a judicial system which sustains upon the ideals and standards of fairness with an essence of progress, assuring that rule of law remains a guiding light in India’s journey towards an equitable society.

Nonetheless, this new symbolic interpretation also begs for a more profound introspection on how justice is practised. Substantive actions must be drawn from these new symbolic features as this new Lady reminds the key expectations from a judiciary. One that understands diversity tackles systemic inequalities, and takes theory closer to reality are a few necessities of an informed Judiciary. It is an ideal that necessitates constant striving toward a better judiciary, wider access to justice for marginalized communities, and a culture of transparency and accountability.

Advancing with the aforementioned, this new symbol must provide inspiration to the Judiciary to evolve along with the societal shifts and needs not just symbolically but also functionally. Embracing technology, fostering judicial independence, and upholding constitutional values are essential to ensuring justice remains equitable and effective. This transformation should also encourage citizens to actively engage with the judicial system, fostering mutual trust and understanding.

In conclusion, it is a call to action for a legal system that resonates with the spirit of the Constitution and the realities of contemporary India. It symbolizes hope for a judicial system that not only adapts but also leads to creating a society where fairness and equality prevail, reminding us all that the pursuit of justice is a collective and ongoing endeavour.

[1] What does Lady Justice symbolise? about her ancient origins and Colonial Impact India Today, https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/lady-justice-symbolism-ancient-origins-colonial-impact-2619039-2024-10-18 (last visited Jan 7, 2025)

[2] The meaning behind the lady of justice statue Heather and Little, https://heatherandlittle.com/blog/the-meaning-behind-the-lady-of-justice-statue/ (last visited Jan 9, 2025)

[3] What does Lady Justice symbolise? about her ancient origins and Colonial Impact India Today, https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/lady-justice-symbolism-ancient-origins-colonial-impact-2619039-2024-10-18 (last visited Jan 7, 2025)

[4]“Justice Sees Everyone Equally”: Supreme Court unveils new ‘Lady justice’ statue symbolising modern Indian legal ideals The Economic Times, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/lady-justice-has-her-eyes-wide-open-supreme-court-unveils-new-symbol-reflecting-indian-legal-ideals/articleshow/114291356.cms?from=mdr (last visited Jan 9, 2025)

[5] New “lady justice” statue unveiled by Supreme Court: A modern representation of Indian justice SCC Times, https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2024/10/17/new-lady-justice-statue-unveiled-supreme-court-modern-representation-of-indian-justice/ (last visited Jan 11, 2025)

[6] New Flag, insignia and Lady Justice at Supreme Court: Current affairs: Vision IAS Current Affairs | Vision IAS, https://visionias.in/current-affairs/monthly-magazine/2024-11-14/art-and-culture/new-flag-insignia-and-lady-justice-at-supreme-court (last visited Jan 11, 2025)