Dhaka: The High Court on Tuesday stayed the effectiveness of two notices issued by the Anti-Corruption Commission to Destiny Group managing director Rafiqul Islam and Destiny 2000 Ltd chairman Mohammad Hossain seeking their wealth statements.

Following two writ petitions, an HC bench comprising judges Ruhul Quddus and Bhishmadev Chakrabortty also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the notices should not be declared illegal.

It also issued another rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why sub-sections 17 (2) and 17 (4) of the ACC rules should not be declared contrary to the constitution and the ACC Act.

The ACC has been made respondent to the rule which is returnable in one month, said Barrister ABM Siddiqur Rahman Khan, a lawyer of the petitioners.

Besides, it asked the national anti-graft agency to refrain from taking any steps based on the notices until the rules are disposed of, he said.

On June 15, the ACC served notices to Destiny Group MD Rafiqul Islam and Destiny-2000 Ltd chairman Mohammad Hossain, seeking their wealth statements within 15 days. Following separate petitions, the ACC extended the time by seven days.

Later, both the Destiny officials filed separate writs with the High Court challenging the legality of the ACC notices.