-V.R.Ajith kumar
The blindfolded, scales-and-sword-bearing goddess of justice has long stood as a symbol of the Indian legal system. However, this symbol no longer holds true, and that is a welcome change. Personally, as the President of People for Better Society, I have been continuously advocating against this outdated representation, sending letters to the government and the Supreme Court of India. Many others have raised the same concern. It is not only essential for the legal system to open its eyes, but to ensure that this openness is directed towards justice and fairness.
India's new goddess of justice is a compassionate Indian woman with open eyes. She holds the scales of justice in her right hand and the Constitution of India in her left. This new statue, officially unveiled by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, now stands in the library of the Supreme Court of India, symbolizing a new era of Indian justice.
The previous goddess of justice, a Roman figure, stood blindfolded, sword in hand, supposedly embodying impartiality. Yet, it is hard to tell whether her blindfold symbolized mercy or cruelty, especially during the colonial era when she punished without seeing the faces of those before her. Her blindfold was said to represent objectivity, ensuring that justice was administered without bias or prejudice. However, in earlier depictions, the goddess was not blindfolded at all—this element became more common in the 16th century.
The scales symbolize balance and fairness, weighing both sides of a legal argument to determine the truth. They emphasize that justice must be rational and balanced. The sword symbolizes enforcement and authority—its double-edged nature signifying that justice can be either merciful or harsh, depending on the case. The sword should be wielded swiftly and judiciously, ensuring that justice is not delayed.
The representation of justice as a goddess rather than a god may stem from ancient ideas that female figures embodied wisdom, virtue, and moral authority. In classical mythology, both Themis (Greek) and Justicia (Roman) were revered as embodiments of the moral order. Some depictions of the goddess include a crown or mantle, symbolizing the prestige and high standards of the legal system.
India’s new goddess of justice, however, has left the sword behind. Instead, she holds the Constitution, symbolizing that the law will defend the rights granted to every citizen by the Constitution. The scales of justice in her right hand remain unchanged. With her eyes open, the goddess assures that her fight is for justice alone. While it remains to be seen whether this change will bring about broader reforms in the legal system, it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Perhaps it is time for another change—the black robes of judges and advocates could be transformed to reflect Indian traditions. Let's hope that this transformation is not far off.
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