Hearing on EC's failure to hold polls deferred

The hearing on a writ petition against Election Commission's failure to hold the general election within the constitutionally mandated timeframe was deferred yesterday by a week.
When the matter came up for hearing before the High Court, Government Attorney Zafar Imam prayed for two weeks' time for preparation.
Writ petitioner Masood R Sobhan opposed the government plea as the matter has been delayed for disposal for long.
After hearing both the sides, an HC bench comprising Justice MA Rashid and Justice M Ashfaqul Islam granted adjournment of the hearing for a week.
The High Court in a rule on Jan 27 ordered the EC to explain why it should not be directed to hold the general election “within the next 90 days” since the court order.
It also had asked the commission to show cause why its inability to hold the election within 90 days since dissolution of the parliament in October 2006 'shall not be declared unlawful'.