The Patna High Court has ordered issuance of notices to Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari and its Secretary General in connection with the disqualification of Captain Jai Narain Nishad from the Upper House.

Justice Ajay Kumar Tripathy ordered the issuing of notices to Ansari and the Secretary General of the Upper House after hearing a petition filed by Nishad challenging his termination as Rajya Sabha member.

Justice Tripathy asked them to explain their stand on the matter and fixed May 14 as the next date of hearing of the case. The order was passed on Wednesday.

Advocate Ravi Ranjan represented the Union government during the hearing, while J A Karna appeared on behalf of the Election Commission of India.

Nishad's membership was terminated following a complaint lodged by Bharatiya Janata Party charging Nishad with switching over to Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar, though he was elected to the Upper House on a BJP ticket.

Nishad had described as 'illegal' the disqualification of his membership.