New Delhi, Aug 22, 2014 : The Supreme Court has criticized Narendra Modi government for keeping the Lokpal act in limbo for a long time.
The apex court has said that an important law like this can not be kept in cold storage. SC has also asked the government for its view on the selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha.
SC hinted that a situation has arisen where there is no leader of opposition but it also questioned the government whether any selection can be fair without the leader of opposition.
The Centre, on its part has said that it is undertaking substantial review of Lokpal act and rules to address many concerns but has not clarified whether it would allow the leader of the largest party in opposition to be part of the Lokpal selection panel.
The Supreme Court has given 4 weeks to the government to come back with its response on amending Lokpal Act to permit the participation of the leader of the largest party in opposition in the selection panel.
SC to interpret LOP provision
The Supreme Court agreed to interpret leader of opposition (LoP) provision for the purpose of appointment of Lokpal in which LoP is a selection committee member and asked the Centre to make its stand clear within two weeks.
Emphasizing the importance of the post, a bench headed by Chief Justice R M Lodha said leader of opposition conveys the voice of a representative different from government in the House.
It said LoP is a very important component (under Lokpal law) and the issue needs objective consideration in view of the current political situation where at present there is no leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha.
The bench also observed that the issue of LoP is relevant not only in Lokpal law but also in other existing and incoming legislations.
It said the issue cannot be prolonged and the act cannot be put in cold storage, while posting case for final disposal for September 9.
Congress, as the second largest party in the Lok Sabha with 44 seats, has been making a strong bid for the LoP post but the ruling BJP has not acceded, saying the opposition party does not have the requisite 10 per cent seats which meant it needed 55 to stake claim.