The Election Commission told the Supreme Court on Monday that elections should not be stayed in the disqualification row over Karnataka MLAs.

"Speaker can disqualify but can't deprive the MLAs from contesting," said the EC.

The apex court has issued notice to Karnataka Congress leaders Dinesh Gundu Rao and Siddharamaiah, JD-S president H.D. Deve Gowda and the Assembly Speaker on the disqualified MLAs' plea.

The MLAs have pleaded that they should be allowed to contest bypolls scheduled on October 21.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appearing for the disqualified Karnataka MLAs urged the Supreme Court to suspend the bypolls in their constituencies.

Rohtagi also urged the top court to issue interim orders so that petitions don't lose relevance specifically keeping in view the impending bypolls. The top court will hear the matter on Wednesday on the pleas of ex-Karnataka MLAs against their disqualification by Speaker under anti-defection law.

The MLAs seek a stay on their disqualification which will enable them to contest by-elections. Nominations are due on September 30.