The High Court on Tuesday dismissed a writ petition challenging the validity of Article 70 of the Constitution, clearing the path for the presidential election scheduled for August 20.

The High Court bench of Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Justice AFM Saiful Karim passed the order.

Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal and Deputy Attorney General Mamun Chowdhury represented the state, while Advocate Md Eunus Ali Akond appeared for the petitioner.

Talking to reporters, Mamun said the High Court dismissed the writ petition outright, meaning Article 70 remains in force and there is no legal bar to holding the presidential election on August 20.

He said the court also observed that a committee has already been formed to propose constitutional amendments and that the issue can be considered by Parliament.

Eunus filed the writ petition on August 13, challenging the validity of Article 70 and seeking suspension of the presidential election schedule announced by the Election Commission.

The hearing concluded on Monday, and the court dismissed the petition on Tuesday.

The Election Commission announced the schedule for the presidential election on August 6, fixing August 20 for voting.

Article 70 of the Constitution provides for the vacation of a lawmaker's seat if they resign from the political party that nominated them or vote against the party in Parliament.

The writ petition sought a rule asking why Article 70 should not be declared inconsistent with the Constitution and why the EC's August 6 election schedule should not be declared without legal authority.

It also sought a stay on the election schedule until disposal of the writ.