Why in the News?

Recently, Indian President unveiled new flag and insignia of Supreme Court, whereas Chief Justice of India unveiled ‘new lady justice’ statue at Supreme Court. 

About Lady Justice 

• Origin: Greek and Roman mythology
  • 1^st Roman Emperor Augustus  introduced worship of Justice in the form of  goddess Justitia.
• Depiction: Scales in one hand and a sword in other.
• Addition of blindfold was done during the Renaissance period (14th century): as a satire on the corrupt state of legal systems with judicial institutions turning a blind eye. 
• Enlightenment period (17th-18th century): blindfold came to be reinterpreted as representing impartiality.
  • British introduced Lady Justice in India, 1^st in Calcutta High Court in 1872

Significance of New Lady Justice Statue

• Decoloniality: An aim to shed colonial symbols.
• Saree replaces western attire: Brings statue closer to Indian tradition.
• Removal of blindfold and open eyes: Conveys that law is not blind and it ‘sees’ everyone equally.
  • Open eyes also symbolize knowledge about the complexity and differentiation within society.
• Sword replaced with Indian Constitution: 
  • Symbolizes supremacy of the Constitution and its value in our jurisprudence
  • Justice is deep-rooted into constitutional values rather than punishment
• Preserving of the scales:  Shows that courts will continue weighing evidence impartially and hearing both sides before delivering its final judgment.

Flag of Supreme Court	Insignia of Supreme Court
About Flag and Insignia of Supreme Court Conceptualised by: National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi. Flag features: Ashok Chakra (Top) Iconic Supreme Court building (Centre) and Book of Constitution (below) Insignia has ‘Supreme Court of India’(in roman) and ‘Yato Dharmastato Jayah’ (in Devanagari script) inscribed on it. Yato Dharmastato Jayah is a Sanskrit term which means "Where there is Dharma, there is victory"