In a significant departure from traditional depictions, the Supreme Court of India has unveiled a redesigned statue of Lady Justice in the judges’ library, symbolizing a shift in how justice is represented in the country. The new statue, which omits the iconic blindfold and replaces the sword with a copy of the Indian Constitution, underscores the importance of constitutional law in delivering justice.

Unlike previous versions of Lady Justice, where the blindfold signified the impartiality and equality of the law, the redesigned statue leaves her eyes uncovered, signaling a nuanced approach to justice. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud explained the change, stating, “The law is not blind, and everyone should be seen.” He emphasized that justice must be delivered with a keen understanding of India’s unique constitutional framework, rather than relying on outdated colonial laws.

The statue retains the scales of justice in its right hand, symbolizing fairness, but now carries a copy of the Indian Constitution in its left hand, instead of the sword. The Constitution, as the Chief Justice remarked, represents the guiding force behind Indian law, while the sword, often associated with violence, has been removed to convey that courts administer justice through constitutional principles, not force.

Dressed in a saree, the new figure also departs from the traditional Western robes typically associated with Lady Justice. This reflects the broader movement in India to decolonize its legal system, including the ongoing reform efforts such as replacing the colonial-era Indian Penal Code with more contemporary codes like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.