The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the status of Leader of Opposition (LoP) post in the Lok Sabha, asking why there is no LoP in Parliament.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the status of Leader of Opposition (LoP) post in the Lok Sabha, asking why there is no LoP in Parliament.

Forcing the government on the backfoot, the apex court has agreed to interpret the LoP provision for the purpose of appointment of Lokpal in which LoP is a selection committee member.

Directing the government to take quick action, the Supreme Court has said that the issue cannot be prolonged and the Act cannot be put in cold storage. They have given the government four weeks to answer their queries.

Highlighting the importance of the LoP in Parliament, the apex court said that it conveys the voice different from the government in the House. "LoP is a very important component under the Lokpal Law. There needs to be anobjective consideration on the same," the Supreme Court said. Chief Justice of India RM Lodha also expressed his concern on the LoP post, saying, that he "never imagined there won't be a leader of opposition in the parliament."

The Supreme Court said the Lokpal issue could not be prolonged and the act could be put in cold storage, posts the case for final disposal for 9 September.

The court has asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to find out how the Lokpal will be appointed if there is if no LOP. It has also observed that Parliament had never envisaged a situation where there would be no LoP.

(With inputs from PTI)