Supreme Court Bar Association voices concerns over changes to lady justice statue and emblem
- In Reports
- 03:31 PM, Oct 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has issued a unanimous resolution raising objections to the recent modifications made to the statue of Lady Justice and the emblem of the Supreme Court, stating that these changes were implemented without proper consultation with the Bar.
The Supreme Court of India has introduced a new six-foot-tall statue of Lady Justice, located in the judges' library. This statue features Lady Justice holding scales in one hand and the Constitution in the other, but it does not include the traditional sword. Dressed in white traditional attire, the statue also lacks the customary blindfold, instead sporting a crown.
In their resolution, signed by SCBA president Kapil Sibal and other executive committee members, the association criticised the unilateral changes. They remarked, "It is observed by the Executive Committee of Supreme Court Bar Association that recently some radical changes have been brought in by the Supreme Court unilaterally like a change of its emblem, change in the statue of Lady Justice without consultation with the Bar. 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 SCBA also voiced its opposition to the proposed establishment of a museum in a high-security area. They contend that instead of a museum, a library and café-lounge for Bar members should be prioritised. The resolution stated, "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. We are concerned that despite our objection raised against the proposed museum in the erstwhile judges' library, work has started for the museum".
The figure of Lady Justice has its roots in both history and mythology and is commonly associated with the Greek goddess of justice, Justitia. Traditionally, the blindfold symbolises impartiality and fairness, while the sword represents the authority of the law. Although there are numerous sculptures and paintings of Lady Justice worldwide, not all depict her with a blindfold. Scholars have suggested that the blindfold was a later addition to her symbolic representation.
The SCBA’s resolution underscores the importance of involving legal professionals in key decisions regarding the administration of justice, highlighting the need for their input in significant changes that impact the legal community.
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