The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking its direction related to the appointment of the Leader of opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha.

Finding no merit in the plea, a bench comprising Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Harishankar said there was no law which stipulates the appointment of LoP.

The bench observed: “We do not see a basis to devise a guideline for the appointment as the same is the obligation of the respondents.”

At today’s hearing, the petitioner contented that the tardiness in appointing the LoP was deferring assigning a range of important posts like the head of NHRC, CBI and other government bodies and statutory committees.

“That the Leader of Opposition is one of the key parliamentary functionaries whose role, though not defined in any rule, is of great importance for the functioning of a legislature. He or she is invariably a senior leader, representing the main opposition party in the legislature. There is no room for ifs and buts. Under the Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, the duty of the Speaker is to recognise the eligible person as the Leader of Opposition,” the plea read.

—India Legal Bureau