Dhaka: The High Court on Sunday stayed the Gazipur City Corporation election scheduled to be held on May 15.

An HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Zafar Ahmed passed the order following hearing on a writ petition.

The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the inclusion of six moujas of Dhaka district into GCC should not be declared illegal.

Advocate BM Elias Kochi stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Mokhlesur Rahman represented the state.

BM Elias Kochi said the government on January 16, 2013 published a gazette incorporating six moujas of Dhaka district (South Boroibari, Domna, Shibrampur, West Panishail and Domnag) under Gazipur City Corporation but according to law, GCC was formed with Gazipur and Tongi municipalities.

ABM Azharul Islam Suruj, Shimulia union parishad chairman of Savar, filed the writ on Sunday morning challenging the legality of the gazette.

Asked about the duration of the stay order, Kochi said generally, the High Court passes such a stay order for six months.

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda announced the election schedule for Gazipur and Khulna city corporations on March 31.