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⚖️ Supreme Court’s New Statue: Justice Without a Blindfold!🗽

TL;DR: The Supreme Court of India has replaced the iconic blindfolded statue of Justice with a new one that removes the blindfold, suggesting that law is not blind but aware and vigilant 👁️. The change marks a symbolic shift, but it also highlights the pressing need for justice to be truly equal for all, as India still grapples with inequality in its legal system.

🗿 What’s New? Why No Blindfold?

The newly installed statue of ‘Lady Justice’ in the Supreme Court’s library courtyard differs from the traditional one. Usually, Lady Justice statues across the world are portrayed with a blindfold, scales, and a sword ⚔️—the blindfold representing impartiality, ensuring that justice is delivered without bias or favoritism. The Indian Supreme Court’s new design reflects a deliberate shift: Justice should be “open-eyed,” vigilant, and actively aware of the complexities in delivering equality under the law 👁️.

🌍 Global Comparisons: Blindfold or Not?

Globally, the blindfolded Lady Justice is a common symbol, especially in countries like the U.S., Germany, and Switzerland, emphasizing that justice is objective and free of bias. However, variations exist—in places like Japan, the idea of impartiality is depicted differently, without a blindfold, focusing more on wisdom and integrity 🏯. With the Supreme Court’s new statue, India joins these examples of evolving legal symbols to reflect the belief that justice must not be passive but actively engaged in addressing inequity.

🗣️ Advocate Kavya’s Take: Statues Won’t Change Injustice Alone

Renowned lawyer Advocate Mandava Kavya appreciates the symbolic change but warns that real justice is still far from reality in India. She highlights alarming facts: Two-thirds of Indian prisoners are undertrials, often stuck in jail only because they can’t afford legal help 😔. She points to cases like ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan’s 30-year battle to clear his name and Prof. Sai Baba’s near-decade imprisonment before being declared innocent—reminding us that the process itself must not become punishment.

She further notes that human rights in jails need urgent reform. Basic necessities are still denied to many inmates. A particularly tragic example is the case where the CBI denied a straw to a paralyzed prisoner, leading to his death within 20 days. Kavya urges all judges, lawmakers, and police to take inspiration from the new symbolism and ensure the law truly becomes equal for all citizens 🧑‍⚖️.

💡 MediaFx Opinion: Actions Must Follow Symbols

The Supreme Court’s new statue sends an important message, but justice can’t change through symbols alone. For law to be truly impartial, every level—from judiciary to police—must ensure that justice isn’t a luxury only the privileged can afford. The system must actively protect human dignity, whether someone is guilty or not. India needs structural reforms—in courts, policing, and prisons—to prevent cases like Nambi Narayanan’s and Sai Baba’s from being repeated.

What do you think? Should symbolic changes be followed by concrete action? Tell us in the comments! 👇

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