Clueless on rationale: Supreme Court Bar Association on new Lady Justice statue

The Supreme Court Bar Association also criticised the proposal for a museum in the erstwhile Judges Library, a space they had previously requested to be transformed into a library and café for lawyers.

In Short

• Changes not brought to our attention, said Bar Association
• Object to creation of museum in place of Judges Library
• Changes in top court to move away from colonial legacies, sources said

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), led by senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, has expressed strong opposition to recent "radical changes" implemented at the Supreme Court without prior consultation with the legal community.

These changes include a new emblem and a modified statue of Lady Justice, which the SCBA contends were adopted unilaterally.

In a resolution signed by Sibal and other office-bearers, the association voiced concerns over the lack of engagement with stakeholders in the administration of justice.

"We are equal stakeholders in the administration of justice, but these changes, when proposed, were never brought to our attention. We are totally clueless about the rationale behind these changes," the resolution states.

The SCBA also criticised the proposal for a museum in the erstwhile Judges Library, a space they had previously requested to be transformed into a library and café for lawyers.

"We had demanded a Library, cafe cum lounge for the members of the Bar as the present cafeteria is inadequate," the resolution notes. Despite objections, work on the proposed museum has reportedly commenced.

The new statue of Lady Justice at the Supreme Court features significant modifications: the traditional blindfold has been removed, and a copy of the Constitution has replaced the sword in her left hand.

These changes are intended to convey that the law is not blind and that justice is dispensed according to constitutional principles. The right hand still holds scales, symbolising balance and fairness in the judicial process.

Sources close to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud indicate that these changes are part of an effort to move away from colonial legacies.

"The Chief Justice believes that the law is never blind, but sees everyone equally," a source said. The statue's new design aims to reinforce the message that courts deliver justice based on constitutional laws, rather than violence symbolised by the sword.

In addition to the statue, the Supreme Court has unveiled a new emblem and flag.

The blue flag features the Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building, and the Constitution, along with the Sanskrit verse 'Yato Dharmastato Jai,' which translates to 'Where there is Dharma, there is victory.'