The leader of the opposition in Parliament received statutory recognition in 1977. This means that their position and role in Parliament were officially recognized and given legal status through legislation.

During the early years of parliamentary democracy in India, there was no specific provision for the leader of the opposition in the Parliament. The role of the opposition was not clearly defined, and its leader did not enjoy any official recognition or privileges. However, as the democratic system evolved, there was a growing realization of the importance of the opposition in ensuring checks and balances in the functioning of the government.

In 1977, the Indian Parliament passed the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act. This act provided for the statutory recognition of the leader of the opposition in both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of Parliament.

The act laid down the eligibility criteria for the leader of the opposition, which included being the leader of the largest party in the opposition that had at least one-tenth of the total membership of the House. It also defined the rights, privileges, and facilities that the leader of the opposition would be entitled to, such as an official residence, staff, and allowances.

The statutory recognition of the leader of the opposition was a significant step towards strengthening the parliamentary democracy in India. It helped to institutionalize the role of the opposition and ensure that it had a voice in the legislative process.

The recognition of the leader of the opposition also had practical implications. It facilitated better coordination and communication between the ruling party and the opposition, as the leader of the opposition now had an official status and could engage in formal discussions and negotiations.

Overall, the statutory recognition of the leader of the opposition in Parliament in 1977 was a crucial development in the evolution of the Indian parliamentary system. It provided a framework for the functioning of the opposition and contributed to the democratic functioning of the country's legislature.