By Shashank Pasupuleti
In a recent statement, Telangana High Court Advocate Vannala Srinivas has reignited a debate by calling for the restoration of the sword in the statue of Justitia, the goddess of justice, found in Indian courtrooms. His demand comes in response to recent modifications to the statue, which replaced the traditional sword in the goddess’s left hand with a copy of the Constitution, symbolizing that justice is guided by constitutional principles. Srinivas argues that the sword, a symbol of enforcement and authority, is essential and should be reinstated alongside the Constitution.
The statue of Justitia, introduced to India by the British during the 18th century, has long symbolized justice in the Indian judiciary. Traditionally, the goddess was portrayed blindfolded, holding scales in one hand and a sword in the other, representing the impartial and authoritative nature of justice. Recent changes, however, have led to the removal of the blindfold and the sword, with the scales remaining and the sword replaced by the Constitution to reflect the modern principles of law.
Advocate Srinivas, however, believes that this change diminishes an important aspect of justice. He points out that many Indian deities, including Lord Rama, are depicted with both a weapon and a blessing hand, signifying that the power to enforce justice is as crucial as delivering it. “We have never seen Lord Rama without his bow, and we aspire for *Rama Rajya* (a righteous kingdom),” he said, emphasizing the cultural significance of enforcement in Indian tradition.
Srinivas references the ancient Indian principle of conflict resolution, which includes *Sama* (conciliation), *Dana* (compromise), *Bheda* (division), and *Danda* (punishment). He argues that when the first three methods fail, the fourth—punishment—becomes necessary. “The sword is essential in the statue of justice. It represents the power to enforce punishment when needed, which is fundamental to upholding justice,” he stated.
Srinivas also draws upon historical symbolism, noting that Indian kings and rulers often carried weapons as a sign of their authority to protect and rule justly. “Every king held a weapon in one hand, symbolizing their authority to enforce law. The statue of justice should also reflect this balance of power,” he added.
He further highlighted the traditional role of teachers, or gurus, who carried sticks not just as symbols of authority but also to maintain discipline. “A teacher had a stick to guide and control students while imparting knowledge. Similarly, the statue of justice should have both the scales and the sword to symbolize the balance between law and its enforcement.”
In his appeal, Advocate Srinivas urged judicial authorities to reconsider the current design of the statue of justice and restore the sword alongside the Constitution. He emphasized that the sword symbolizes the authority to enforce justice and serves as a reminder that while laws guide justice, enforcement is necessary to uphold them.
“The Constitution is the foundation of justice, but without the power to enforce it, laws can lose their effectiveness,” Srinivas remarked. He believes that the presence of the sword in the statue would reinforce the strength and authority behind the law, reflecting a complete picture of justice.
Advocate Srinivas’s call has sparked discussions within the legal and cultural communities, with many supporting his view that the sword is a critical part of the statue’s symbolism. Whether these demands will lead to changes remains to be seen, but they have certainly brought to light the evolving debate on how justice is represented in modern India.
