, March 18 -- The High Court (HC) on Tuesday stayed the activities of the public notification issued by the Election Commission (EC) for registration of new political parties.

The HC bench of Justice Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja passed the order after hearing a petition.

It also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the public notification seeking application for registration of political parties in the light of section 90 (kha) of Representation of the People Order to thwart the recommendation of the Election System Reform Commission issued on March 10, should not be declared unlawful.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Secretary to the EC and Election System Reform Commission were made...