Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday stayed the functioning of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, formed by the state government. The HC during the stay order stated that the corruption cases investigated by Lokayukta and pending sanction for prosecution should not be transferred to the newly-formed anti-corruption agency.

The stay was order was passed by a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherejee and Justice Ravi Malimath.

The petition was filed by B G Chidananda Urs, a city-based advocate.

The petitioner challenged the validity of ACB and argued that the government issued a notification for the formation of ACB despite submitting before the court that it is taking steps to stregthen Lokayukta.

The next date for the hearing of the matter is on April 12.