'Law Is Not Blind, It's Aware Of Social Realities ': CJI Chandrachud On Redesigned Lady Of Justice Statue

CJI D Y Chandrachud addressed the redesign of the Lady of Justice statue, highlighting the removal of the blindfold and the addition of the Indian Constitution.

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud emphasised that "the law is not blind," while addressing the recent redesign of the statue of the Lady of Justice. He stated that the statue now carries the Indian Constitution, symbolising its transformative power to dismantle social hierarchies and inequalities.

"The Lady of Justice in the Supreme Court does not carry a sword but instead carries with her the Constitution of India, a document which has the transformative power to break the bonds of social hierarchies and inequalities," he remarked during the inauguration of the North Goa District Courts Complex near Panaji, as reported by news agency PTI.

The Chief Justice pointed out that the traditional blindfold, representing impartiality, has been removed, asserting that the law acknowledges social realities. "After all, the law is not blind. It views everyone equally and is equally aware of social realities. The equality of the law is not a formal sense of equality but substantive recognising that offers security," he added.

CJI Chandrachud underscored that equality is rooted in an understanding of historical disadvantages and privileges among certain communities. "Every individual who walks through the doors of our courts brings his own experiences, struggles, and hopes," he noted.

CJI Chandrachud Condemns Use Of Derogatory Language Against Women In Courts

In his address, CJI Chandrachud also condemned the use of derogatory language in courts, particularly against women. He highlighted complaints from women judicial officers regarding insensitive remarks from some members of the administrative establishment. "We must actively work to dismantle all barriers to have truly democratic access to justice," he asserted.

The CJI reiterated the importance of language in fostering inclusivity within courtrooms. "As we strive for inclusivity within our courtrooms, the language which we use must reflect our ethos. We must be vigilant in our choice of words ensuring that our language is not only precise but also respectful and inclusive," he stated, as quoted by PTI. He expressed concern that insensitive language could perpetuate stereotypes and disproportionately affect women and marginalised communities.

"This involves re-examining our legal lexicon and ensuring that it does not reinforce stereotypes based on gender, caste, or socio-economic status," he explained. CJI Chandrachud announced that the Supreme Court has prepared a handbook on gender to raise awareness about gender stereotypes in legal discourse.

He urged judicial officers, especially at the district level, to uplift legal discourse and maintain the dignity of the individuals appearing before the court. "The litigants come before the court with a sense of trust and a sense of vulnerability; practices within the court should uplift legal discourse rather than undermining the dignity... the future of the individual is in your hands," he cautioned.

Moreover, CJI Chandrachud stressed the need for judgements and orders to be accessible in all regional languages, announcing that the Supreme Court's orders are being translated into Konkani. "That process has to be expedited. I am sure the chief justice of the Bombay High Court will ensure that the judgements of the Bombay HC are also translated into a language that the people of the state can understand," he remarked.

He concluded by reflecting on the concept of a "conscientious court," which embodies a judicial system aware of societal realities and the multifaceted challenges faced by those seeking justice.