SCBA Objects To 'Unilateral' Changes In Supreme Court Emblem And Lady Justice Statue; Calls For Consultation

The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) passed a resolution on October 22, expressing strong objection to the "unilateral" modifications made to the Supreme Court’s emblem and the statue of Lady Justice without consulting the Bar.

"We are equal stakeholders in the administration of justice, but these changes were never brought to our attention. We are completely unaware of the rationale behind these alterations," the SCBA's resolution stated.

The changes were revealed on September 1, when the new Supreme Court emblem and flag were unveiled by the President of India as part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the Supreme Court.

Recently, it became known that the traditional statue of Lady Justice placed in the Judges' library had been altered. Historically, the statue wore a blindfold to symbolize impartial justice. However, the updated statue no longer has a blindfold and instead carries a book representing the Constitution of India in place of a sword.

It is to be noted that the newly created Advocates' Library and Advocates' Welfare Centre at Eight Floor, D-block, Administrative Building Complex, Supreme Court of India, will be inaugurated by the Chief Justice today at 1:30pm. 

The SCBA had also opposed a proposal to convert the former Judges' library into a museum. It had earlier requested the space be transformed into a library and a café-lounge for the Bar members. "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 resolution read.

"We unanimously oppose the proposed museum in the High Security Zone and reiterate our demand for a Library and a Cafe cum Lounge for our members," the resolution, endorsed by all 21 members of the SCBA's Executive Committee, stated.