New Delhi, May 11 -- In a major relief to Congress leader TD Rajegowda, who had recently lost his MLA position following a recount of postal ballots in the Sringeri Assembly constituency, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Karnataka High Court order directing recounting of votes and allowed him to continue as MLA until further hearing.

The apex court issued notice to the Election Commission of India and adjourned the matter to May 21. With the interim stay order, the status quo in the constituency will continue, effectively restoring Rajegowda's position as the sitting legislator. The development also comes as a temporary setback for BJP leader DN Jeevaraj, who had been declared elected after the recount and had recently taken oath a...