Section 2 of SALOPA : Section 2: Definition

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where in the House of the People (Lok Sabha), the ruling party holds a majority of the seats. The remaining seats are divided among several opposition parties. Party A has 45 seats, Party B has 45 seats as well, and other smaller parties hold the rest. Both Party A and Party B claim the position of the Leader of the Opposition. According to Section 2 of The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, the Speaker of the House of the People must recognize one of the leaders of these parties as the official Leader of the Opposition.

In this case, the Speaker would consider the status and other relevant factors of both Party A and Party B and decide to recognize the leader of Party A as the Leader of the Opposition. This decision is final and conclusive, and the recognized leader would then be entitled to the salary and allowances specified under the Act for the Leader of the Opposition.