SCBA raises objection over modifications to 'Lady Justice' statue without consultation

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), headed by senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, has passed a resolution opposing the modifications made to the statue of "Lady Justice" and the logo of the highest court without first consulting its members.

By replacing the sword in one hand with the Constitution, the new Lady Justice statue in the Supreme Court has shed its blindfold, signifying that Indian law is neither punishing nor blind.

In contrast to the customary portrayal of the Lady Justice with its eyes blindfolded, the new statue's eyes are open to convey the idea that the law is not blind.

“It is observed by the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association that recently some radical changes have been brought in by the Supreme Court unilaterally, like the change of its emblem and the change in the statue of Lady Justice without consultation with the Bar,” the SCBA resolution reads.

“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 added.

The sword was supposed to symbolize the force of the law, while the scales stood for justice and balance. However, the new statue emphasizes the idea that the law is not blind in modern India and is perceived as an attempt to move beyond colonial history. It is now a prominent feature of the Supreme Court's judges' library.

The SCBA has also voiced objection to the planned museum in the former judges' library, arguing that the cafeteria is insufficient to serve its members' needs and that it has already asked for 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,” SCBA said in the resolution.

“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 added.

In celebration of the Supreme Court's 75th anniversary, the President of India revealed the court's new emblem and flag on Sep 1.