"Dharmic Justice": RSS Weekly Hails New Lady Of Justice, Calls It "Organiser Impact"
A new statue of the Lady of Justice at the Supreme Court has sparked significant discussion, particularly within the social media circles. The statue’s blindfold has been removed, and the sword it traditionally held has been replaced by the Indian Constitution. This change is, according to reports, intended to convey that the law is not blind in India and does not merely symbolise punishment.
Previously, the blindfold represented equality before the law, suggesting that courts could not see the wealth, power, or social status of individuals appearing before them. The sword, on the other hand, symbolised authority and the power to enforce punishment. The newly commissioned statue, ordered by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, features open eyes and an emphasis on the Constitution, signalling a departure from colonial legacies. This aligns with the recent repeal of outdated colonial laws, such as the Indian Penal Code, in favour of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Sources within the Chief Justice’s office told NDTV that Justice Chandrachud envisions an India that moves beyond its British colonial heritage, asserting that the law sees all individuals equally. “The form of the Lady of Justice should reflect this belief,” the source told NDTV. “By holding the Constitution instead of a sword, the statue sends a powerful message that justice is dispensed according to constitutional principles rather than through violence.”
The scales of justice remain in the statue’s right hand, and as per the report, represents societal balance and the careful consideration of facts and arguments by the courts.
Meanwhile, in a social media post, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)’s Organiser Weekly lauded the statue’s new representation, terming it an “Organiser Impact.” The publication emphasised that the shift towards Dharmic justice is significant, arguing that the traditional Indian concept of justice has never relied on blindfolds or swords but rather on Dharma, which the Constitution now embodies.
“The Lady of Justice statue has shed its blindfold and swapped its sword for the Indian Constitution, marking a significant shift towards Dharmic justice. Historically, the Bharatiya concept of justice wasn’t about being blindfolded or wielding a sword. Instead, it centered around Dharma, which is now embodied in the Constitution. The Supreme Court has now embraced this timeless idea, freeing us from colonial legacies,” the post said.
The Weekly also shared the cover image of its August 27, 2023 edition that, according to the publication, “proposed a revolutionary idea – overhauling India’s justice delivery system as a step towards decolonization”.
“This vision advocates for a holistic 360° approach to transform our legal system into one that’s truly indigenous, effective, and rooted in timeless Dharmic principles like Meemansa and Danda Niti. The iconic image on Organiser’s cover highlights a striking contrast between the Western and Bharatiya concepts of justice. While the Roman-inspired Lady Justice is typically depicted blindfolded and holding a sword, the Bharatiya Goddess Justice stands with her eyes open, grasping a Dharma-Shastra, symbolising knowledge,” it said.
The Lady of Justice statue has shed its blindfold and swapped its sword for the Indian Constitution, marking a significant shift towards Dharmic justice.
Historically, the Bharatiya concept of justice wasn’t about being blindfolded or wielding a sword.… pic.twitter.com/ENhjyaxttK
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) October 16, 2024
RSS is the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main constituent of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
