The image of Lady Justice, often balancing the scales of fairness, has roots dating back to ancient Egypt. Initially, she was linked to the goddess Maat and later Isis, who represented truth and order. As civilizations evolved, the Greeks worshipped Themis, the embodiment of divine law and custom, while Dike, another Greek goddess, personified justice. The scales held by Lady Justice are symbolic of weighing the strength of arguments, ensuring that the balance tips based on the weight of evidence.
The Scales of Justice
One of the most recognizable features of Lady Justice is her scales, which represent the careful consideration of both sides in any dispute. She holds these scales to ensure that evidence is impartially evaluated. The Greek poet Bacchylides famously referenced these scales, highlighting the balance that Dike (Justice) maintains.
Blindfolded Justice, a Symbol of Impartiality
Lady Justice’s blindfold first appeared as a satire in the 16th century, symbolizing her ignorance to the corruption occurring around her. Over time, however, it came to represent impartiality—the idea that justice is applied without bias, free from influence by wealth, power, or status. While earlier Roman depictions showed Lady Justice without a blindfold, it became a defining element of her image only in the mid-16th century. A notable example is Hans Gieng’s 1543 statue in Bern, Switzerland.
However, not all depictions of Lady Justice include a blindfold. At London’s Old Bailey Courthouse, for instance, she is unblindfolded, with her impartiality guaranteed by her maidenly form rather than a physical covering of her eyes. The Shelby County Courthouse in Tennessee takes a unique approach, where Lady Justice weighs competing claims using her own hands as a human scale, without a blindfold.
Breaking Colonial Legacy in India
In a significant break from tradition, the Supreme Court of India announced a new design for the Lady Justice statue in October 2024. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud explained that the blindfold would be removed, and the sword traditionally carried would be replaced by a book, symbolizing the Constitution of India. According to him, “the law is not blind, it sees everyone equally.” This redesign is part of a larger effort to shed colonial-era influences, echoing recent legal reforms like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which is set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Sword of Justice
Traditionally, the sword in Lady Justice’s hand symbolized her authority to deliver swift, final judgments. However, with India’s recent changes, this sword is now replaced by the Constitution, signaling that the law in India is not just about punishment but about upholding rights and delivering justice in accordance with the supreme law of the land.
The Toga
The toga worn by Lady Justice stems from Greco-Roman traditions, representing wisdom and philosophical insight, which are essential in administering justice. In the new statue at the Supreme Court of India, Lady Justice continues to don this garment, linking modern justice with ancient ideals of fairness and wisdom.
Modern Indian Interpretation
Lady Justice in India now stands with open eyes, reflecting the belief that the law is not blind, but attentive to all citizens’ needs. This redesign reflects India’s judiciary moving beyond colonial imagery, emphasizing that justice sees and treats everyone equally. Even though the design has been updated, the scales of justice, representing the balance and impartial weighing of evidence, remain firmly in her hand.