SCBA objects to 'radical changes' in SC emblem, Lady Justice statue

In a unanimous resolution, the Supreme Court Bar Association has raised objections to the “radical changes” made to the statue of Lady Justice and the top court’s emblem without consultation with the Bar.

The Supreme Court of India has a new ‘Lady Justice’ – a six-foot-tall sculpture in the judges’ library holding scales in one hand and the Constitution in the other sans the sword.

Dressed in white traditional attire, the ‘Goddess of Justice’ is without her archetypal blindfold and sword, as she adorns a crown on her head.

The resolution, signed by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Kapil Sibal and other members of the executive committee, has also objected to a proposed museum at a location where they had demanded a cafe cum lounge for the members of the Bar.

“It is observed by the Executive Committee of Supreme Court Bar Association that recently some radical changes have been brought in by the Supreme Court unilaterally like change of its emblem, change in the statue of Lady Justice without consultation with the Bar. We are equal stakeholders in the administration of justice but these changes when proposed, were never brought to our attention. We are totally clueless on the rationale behind these changes,” the resolution said.

The SCBA said it unanimously opposes the proposed museum in the high security zone and pressed the demand for a library and a cafe cum lounge. “Now a museum has apparently been proposed in the erstwhile judges’ library whereas we had demanded a library, cafe cum lounge for the members of the Bar as the present cafeteria is inadequate to cater to the needs of the members of the Bar. We are concerned that despite our objection raised against the proposed museum in the erstwhile judges’ library, work has started for the museum,” the resolution stated.

The origin of ‘Lady Justice’ can be traced to both history and mythology, and is commonly associated with the Greek goddess of justice, Justitia.

While the blindfold over her eyes denoted impartiality and fairness, the sword signified the might of law.

There are several sculptures and paintings of ‘Lady Justice’ across the world but not all depict her with a blindfold.

The blindfold, scholars have claimed, was a subsequent addition to her visual symbolism.