NO BLINDFOLD, NO SWORD: A NEW VISION OF JUSTICE FOR A CHANGING WORLD
AUTHOR – DIPTI SINGH, MEMBER OF A.D.L.S., STUDENT OF LL.B (HONS.), UNIVERSITY OF LUCKNOW
BEST CITATION – DIPTI SINGH, NO BLINDFOLD, NO SWORD: A NEW VISION OF JUSTICE FOR A CHANGING WORLD, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (4) OF 2024, PG. 1053-1057, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344
Abstract
The idea of Lady Justice, symbolized through imagery that includes a blindfold, scales, and a sword, has its roots in historical civilizations, notably Egypt, Greece, and Rome. From the Egyptian goddess Ma’at, the embodiment of reality and stability, to the Roman Justitia, Lady Justice has come to symbolize equity, impartiality, and the enforcement of law. Over time, the figure of Lady Justice has independent justice, represented via the blindfold, and the weighing of proof through scales.[1] Recently, in 2024, the Supreme Court of India unveiled a brand new, modern interpretation of Lady Justice, replacing the conventional sword with the Indian Constitution, symbolizing a shift toward justice grounded in constitutional values and inclusivity. This article strains the evolution of Lady Justice, analyzing her ancient origins and the significance of her converting symbols, culminating in the present-day edition that reflects India’s revolutionary felony beliefs.[2]
[1] Glenn, H. Patrick. Legal Traditions of the World: Sustainable Diversity in Law. Oxford University Press, 2014.
[2] Abhinav Garg, Law is not “blind”: Lady Justice statue no longer unseeing, sword gone too, The Times of India (2024), https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/major-transformation-of-lady-justice-statue-at-indias-supreme-court/articleshow/114325214.cms (last visited Oct 24, 2024).