G. V. Malvankar set the rule of 10% seats for LoP status

Q.  Who created the rule of 10% seats required for status of Opposition Party and LoP status?
- Published on 15 Feb 16

a. G. V. Malvankar
b. Jawaharlal Nehru
c. Rajendra Prasad
d. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

ANSWER: G. V. Malvankar
 
  • A six-decade old ruling by India's first Speaker GV Malvankar established this norm, which later became official as a Direction 121(1) of the Speaker's directions.
  • There was consequently no LoP from 1952 till 1969, and from 1979-89.
  • From 1984-89, a TDP leader was made LoP, although TDP had 3 seats less than 10%.
  • Recently, the Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking Leader of Opposition status for largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.
  • The decision of the Supreme Court assumes significance as the Leader of Opposition's post is equivalent to that of a cabinet minister. The leader of opposition is mandated to be a part of the selection panel of several constitutional posts, including the Lokpal, CVC and the NHRC.

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