NAGPUR, DEC 23: The Election Commission's (EC) directive restraining state governments from holding any inauguration and foundation laying ceremonies till March 15 in view of the impending Lok Sabha polls was stayed here today by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court.

However, the stay is subject to the condition that there would be no speeches or announcements by ministers or dignitaries attending such ceremonies. Besides, no sweets should be distributed or refreshments served.Justices A V Savant and R M S Khandeparkar, comprising the bench, admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in this regard by advocate Madhukar Badhiye, the secretary of `Free Legal Aid Committee for the Poor and Women'. At a brief proceeding held this morning, advocate Sharad Bobde, representing the petitioner, contended that routine development work need not be stalled in the name of the Code of Conduct. Meanwhile, a Commission spokesman in New Delhi said that the court order was interim and ex-parte and that the EC would present full facts relating to the issue before the court on the next date.