Reinterpreting Justice

Published On:

The new open-eyed Justitia statue at the Supreme Court raises debates on the symbolism of justice in contemporary India.

The recent addition of an open-eyed Justitia statue in the Supreme Court of India has sparked discussions about the symbolism of justice. Traditionally, Justitia, the Roman goddess of justice, is portrayed with a blindfold to signify impartiality. However, the new statue, without a blindfold, holding scales and the Constitution of India, suggests a reinterpretation of justice as “seeing everyone equally.” This move aligns with ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equality, and accessibility in India's judicial system. Historically, Justice has been depicted in various ways, both with and without a blindfold, in ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures. The absence of the blindfold here is interpreted as symbolizing inclusivity and transparency, rather than the traditional impartiality associated with blindness. The mural inside the court, depicting symbols like Gandhi, the Dharmachakra, and a similar goddess, adds context to this new representation, connecting Indian cultural and spiritual ideals with justice. As societal issues like caste and religion influence perceptions of fairness, the statue has generated debate about the values that should embody justice in India. While some view this new representation as progressive, others caution that iconography should avoid fostering discrimination and should instead inspire qualities like equality, secularism, and judicial independence.