Is It Really Open-eyed?
Symbolism has long been a vessel for conveying profound principles and values. Among the most enduring symbols is Goddess Justitia, often depicted with a blindfold, scales and a sword—each element representing impartiality, balance and the force of law. This iconic representation underlines the universality of justice, transcending individual identity or societal status.
In the context of India’s judiciary, the Supreme Court serves as a beacon of legal authority and fairness. Its recent embrace of a reimagined Goddess Justitia, portrayed with open eyes, marks a notable shift from tradition. This transformation invites an exploration of whether the symbol aligns with the ideals it seeks to project.
Does this open-eyed representation enhance the perception of vigilance and awareness, or does it compromise the very principle of impartiality that the blindfold once conveyed? The reinterpretation not only reflects changing perspectives but also prompts critical reflection on the evolving role of symbolism in the pursuit of justice.
This article discusses the implications of such a new image and whether that reflects a new awareness of the social, political and economic issues that the Indian justice system is affecting today!
The Traditional Image of Goddess Justitia
Goddess Justitia is seen as a figure representing fairness. She is pictured carrying a sword, which will enforce and a set of scales, which will ensure accurate measurement of evidence. In particular, she has also been depicted blindfolded. This is to symbolize the fact that justice is meant to be blind to personal bias, wealth or power.
This blindfold was a significant symbol in Western legal traditions, commencing from the Roman goddess Justitia, who was often illustrated blindfolded to infer that justice is blind to such extraneous factors as social status.
In India, this image has persisted for centuries, especially in visual representations of the judiciary. However, with advancing social and political norms, the symbols of justice, including that of Goddess Justitia, are transforming to better reflect contemporary concerns.
The Emergence of the New Image: Open-eyed Goddess Justitia
In 2024, the Supreme Court of India unveiled a new statue of Goddess Justitia; it was a radical departure from the traditional blindfolded image. Here, the Goddess is shown with wide-open eyes, symbolic of an aware, vigilant and conscious judiciary of the socio-political environment. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud authorised this new image of the statue.
This is more than aesthetic; it has profound philosophical implications. The open-eyed icon rejects the thought that justice could be administered with complete unawareness of the social conditions under which men and women are to live. This open-eyed goddess suggests that the judicial authority must be attentive to changing times, social conditions and other factors of operation.
The open-eyed goddess emphasizes that while maintaining alertness to systemic inequality, judicial systems must ensure fairness and impartiality in their pursuit of justice. This new image invites a reflection on the judiciary’s role in addressing contemporary challenges while upholding the principles of justice.
Is It Really Open-eyed? The Dichotomy of Justice
The open-eyed depiction of Goddess Justitia symbolizes awareness of social issues but raises the question: Is the judiciary truly conscious of structural inequalities, or is this just an idealized image? India’s legal system, despite reforms, still faces criticism for delays, the influence of power and politicization.
The open-eyed symbol may represent aspiration, not an accurate reflection of the judiciary, urging the public to believe in a system that acknowledges its flaws while striving for improvement and fairness.
The Role of Symbolism in the Judiciary
The depiction of Goddess Justitia, whether blindfolded or open-eyed, shapes public perception of the judiciary, reinforcing fairness, equality, and impartiality. The new image of an open-eyed Goddess Justitia calls for a more aware and responsive judiciary, urging the Supreme Court of India to consider legal principles while staying alert to the social, political and economic factors influencing justice.
End Note
The new image of Goddess Justitia with open eyes in the Supreme Court of India symbolizes a progressing legal system aware of its social responsibilities. However, whether this translates into true impartiality remains debated. The image could inspire judicial transformation, fostering greater accountability, but its success depends on reforms and the judiciary’s commitment to justice.
