Did Amitabh Bachchan's Character Lateef Zaidi Inspire The New Blindfold-Free Lady Justice Statue?

The unveiling of a new Lady Justice statue by the Supreme Court has sparked discussions. Unlike traditional depictions, this statue lacks a blindfold and no longer holds a sword. This change suggests that justice in India is not blind or punitive but rather thoughtful and fair. The dialogue from Amitabh Bachchan's character in the 2021 film 'Chehre' seems to have predicted this shift.

"Humne apne ghar mein, jo Insaaf ki Devi sthapit ki hai uski ankhon per patti nahi bandhi hai. Kyuki hum chahte hain, ki voh Devi dekhe bhi, sune bhi, soche bhi aur bole bhi." (The Goddess of Justice I have in my home does not wear a blindfold because I want her to see, hear, think, and speak.)

'Chehre' tells the story of Sameer Mehra, played by Emraan Hashmi. He is a businessman who finds himself stranded at an elderly man's mountain home during a snowstorm. As he seeks shelter, he becomes ensnared in a game of crime and punishment orchestrated by experienced legal minds. The film features notable actors like Siddhanth Kapoor, Rhea Chakraborty, Dhritiman Chatterjee, and Annu Kapoor.

Upon its release in cinemas and later on OTT platforms, 'Chehre' received acclaim for its impactful dialogues. Amitabh Bachchan's character delivers a speech addressing legal loopholes and social issues such as the Delhi gang rape, acid attacks, and terrorism. These dialogues have become central to discussions about modernising India's justice system.

The movie is based on a story by theatre veteran Ranjit Kapoor. It draws inspiration from Friedrich Dürrenmatt's 'A Dangerous Game.' Rumi Jaffery co-wrote the screenplay with Kapoor.

The film's themes resonate with current debates on justice reform in India. The absence of the blindfold on Lady Justice symbolises a shift towards transparency and fairness in the legal system.