In a significant move signaling a return to tradition, the Supreme Court of India, under Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, has restored its old logo and announced the removal of glass partitions from its corridors. These decisions reverse changes introduced during the tenure of former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
Restoration of Old Logo
The Supreme Court had unveiled a new flag and insignia in September 2024 to mark its 75th anniversary, featuring the Ashoka Chakra, the iconic court building, and the Constitution of India. The insignia included the Sanskrit phrase “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” (“Where there is Dharma, there is victory”), symbolizing justice and democracy. The restoration of the old logo by CJI Gavai signals a return to the court’s traditional identity, though the specifics of the restored design have not been detailed in the available reports.
Removal of Glass Partitions
CJI Gavai also announced that the glass partitions, installed in the court’s corridors during CJI Chandrachud’s tenure to modernize the building and provide air conditioning, will be removed. This decision comes after requests from lawyers’ associations, who argued that the original open corridors embodied the court’s legacy and fostered greater accessibility and openness. The corridors will now revert to their original, non-air-conditioned layout, restoring the court’s historic character.
Background
Both the new logo and the glass partitions were initiatives of former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, aimed at modernizing the Supreme Court’s image and facilities. The current administration’s move to reverse these changes reflects a shift in priorities, emphasizing tradition and the original architectural vision of the court.
These steps by CJI Gavai have been welcomed by sections of the legal fraternity who value the court’s heritage and openness, marking a notable shift in the Supreme Court’s approach to its public image and internal environment.
