The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) today stayed the High Court order that had halted for 21 days the process for holding by-election to Jhenaidah-1 constituency, which was scheduled to be held on June 5.
Justice M Enayetur Rahim of Appellate Division Chamber Judge Court passed the order, removing the legal bar to hold the election on time. The apex court came up with the order after holding hearing on a petition filed by Awami League nominated candidate Md Nayeb Ali Joyardar.
Senior advocate Sayeed Ahmed Raza, advocate Sheikh Mohammad Morshed and BM Elias Kochi moved the plea before the court.
The High Court on May 6 passed its order, staying the by-polls for 21 days. The court had passed order following an election petition filed by Nazrul Islam, an independent candidate who got the second highest votes in the January 7 national election.
Awami League candidate Md Abdul Hye was declared winner in the January 7 election. The constituency however, felt vacant after Abdul Hye died on March. On April 23, the Election Commission declared its schedule for holding the by-polls to this constituency on June 5.
The High Court on May 6 stayed the by-polls as the election petition was pending.