In a major setback to Egypt’s ruling Islamists, the country’s apex court today struck down two laws as unconstitutional by which upper house of Parliament and the Constituent Assembly which drafted the first post—revolution Constitution were elected.

In its ruling, the Supreme Constitutional Court said the law governing the elections of the Islamist—dominated Shura Council was unconstitutional as well as the criteria set for the selection of the Constituent Assembly members.

Presiding Judge Maher al—Beheiry said the Council should remain in place until the election of a new parliament.

No date has been set yet for the new parliament polls.

Today’s ruling came in response to several challenges filed by lawyers against the two laws, state—run MENA news agency reported.

President Mohammed Mursi had set up the 100—member Constituent Assembly to draw up the new document. The constitution was adopted by a nationwide vote in December.

Opposition parties have been accusing Mursi of using the council to rush through an Islamist agenda and laws that have too many loopholes.

The ruling could also heighten tension between the ruling Muslim Brotherhood and the judiciary over reforms of the country’s legal system. The Islamists are keen to remove Hosni Mubarak—era judges while judiciary sees it as an attempt to influence their ranks.

As a result of the ruling, the Shura Council will be dissolved after a new House of Representatives or the lower house of parliament is elected.

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