A newly unveiled statue of Lady Justice at the Indian Supreme Court has ignited widespread discussion – not just for its bold departure from traditional iconography, but also for its striking embodiment of India’s evolving legal identity.

       The reimagined statue, positioned in the judges’ library in the Indian Supreme Court, breaks from its usual form – no blindfold, no sword, and clad in a traditional Indian saree instead of a Western robe, reported Indian media outlets.

       The sword, a symbol of authority and punishment, has been replaced by the Constitution, although the statue retains the scales of justice, which reflect the careful balance of competing arguments in court.

       Lady Justice is now portrayed with open eyes, holding the constitution, signifying a justice system that sees and upholds the rights of all citizens equally.

       Commissioned by outgoing Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, the redesign symbolises a deliberate shift away from colonial-era concepts of justice.

       “The law is not blind; it perceives everyone with equality,” Chief Justice Chandrachud said during the unveiling, according to an NDTV report on Oct 16.

       This bold transformation aligns with broader judicial reforms, including the recent replacement of the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

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       Chief Justice Chandrachud also reportedly said that his vision for the statue is to communicate that justice in India is now guided by constitutional values rather than retributive force, signalling a vigilant, inclusive and forward-looking judiciary.

       NDTV reported that a source close to the Chief Justice noted that this design represents India moving beyond its colonial legacy, embracing a new identity grounded in equality and rights.

       The unveiling quickly captured public attention, with social media abuzz over the striking changes.

       One user humorously remarked on social media platform X: “What Lady Justice really needs is a watch,” referring to delays in case resolutions.

       Others praised the revamp, with another X user describing it as a “landmark moment for India’s judiciary”.

       The change also drew criticism from some quarters.

       Mr Sanjay Raut, upper house leader of the opposition Shiv Sena party, said in a statement to local media on Oct 17: “What are they trying to prove by replacing the sword in the hand of the justice statue with the Constitution?... By removing the blindfold from the statue, they want everyone to openly see corruption.”