New Delhi: A Supreme Court bench emphasised the importance of the post of LoP, saying it conveys the voice of representation different from the government in the House.
The court was scrutinising provisions of the Lokpal law which say that the selection committee for choosing the anti-corruption watchdog should also include the LoP in the Lok Sabha. The bench observed that the law cannot remain in cold storage because of lack of an LoP and some interpretation was needed on the issue. It raised a question of whether the leader of the largest Opposition party can be granted LoP status for the purpose of the act.
The bench granted the Centre two weeks to make its stand clear and come prepared on the next date of hearing on September 9, saying that matter is very significant. “The question is this committee must be constituted. The LoP is a very important component, as a matter of fact, very, very important. It gives objective considerations (in the selection process),” the bench said.
The apex court had earlier this month rejected a PIL seeking grant of LoP status to the Congress, saying decisions taken by the Speaker are not amenable to judicial review. The bench also observed that the issue of LoP is relevant not only in the Lokpal law but also in other existing and incoming legislation and that the issue cannot be prolonged.
