Patna, Mar. 24 : RJD MP Shahabuddin''s petition seeking to contest Lok Sabha polls in Bihar has been rejected by Patna High Court, which has rejected to stay his conviction in a kidnap and murder case.

A High Court division bench comprising of Justices Shivakirti Singh and Sheema Ali Khan refused disallowed Shahabuddin to contest from his Siwan constituency, while granted him regular bail.

On Monday, the Supreme Court had directed the Patna High Court to hear the case before March 30, the last date for filing nomination for the Siwan Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar.

Patna High court has also ordered Shahabuddin to file a bail bond of 10,000 rupees to obtain bail from the trial court.

However, it has directed Shahabuddin not to leave the Siwan district till the trial of the case lasts.

Shahabuddin''s counsel Surendra Singh, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, had contended that his client was a four-term MP and his acquittal was necessary in this case to pave the way for him to contest the coming general elections.

Meanwhile, RJD supreme Lalu Prasad Yadav had declared that Shahabuddin's wife Hina Shahab would be party''s candidate from Siwan in Lok Sabha polls.

The four-time MP from Siwan is still facing charges in 26 cases, which includes serious offences, while he is convicted in six others, including the attack on the then Siwan superintendent of Police S K Singhal. (ANI)