A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking a stay on the national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12.

The petition was submitted on Sunday by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Md Yunus Ali Akand as a public interest litigation (PIL).

In the writ, the petitioner challenged the Election Commission’s decision, arguing that holding a national election and referendum under the current interim government is neither constitutional nor lawful.

The petition sought High Court directives to suspend the election and referendum schedules announced on December 11 last year.

It also prayed for necessary directions to ensure that the national parliamentary election is held under a caretaker government.

Speaking to reporters, Advocate Yunus Ali Akand said the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order (RPO) contain no provision for conducting elections under an interim government, making the proposed election and referendum illegal.

He added that the High Court may hear the petition on Monday.