In an embarrassment to Bangladesh’s military backed government, the High Court on Wednesday quashed the trial of jailed former premier Sheikh Hasina in an “extortion” case saying it was “illegal” to prosecute her under emergency laws.

A bench comprising justices Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman and Shahidul Islam delivered the judgment on a writ petition filed by the Awami League chief, who was arrested in July during an anti-graft drive.

Hasina, 62, had challenged trial under the tough emergency rules that bar the court from granting the accused bail as the alleged crime took place before a state of emergency was promulgated in January last year.

“The entire (trial) process has been declared illegal and quashed,” Hasina’s counsel and former attorney general Rafiqul Haq told reporters after emerging from the crowded courtroom.

The ex-premier was being tried by the Metropolitan Sessions court on a complaint filed by Bangladeshi businessmen Ajam J Chowdhury who alleged that he was forced to pay nearly taka 3 crore ($4.35 lakh) to get a power project cleared during Hasina’s rule.

The crucial High Court judgment came after seven days of hearing on the writ during which the bench also heard opinions of six amicus curiae or ‘friends of court’ it had appointed earlier.

Hasina was arrested on July 16 as part of the massive anti-graft campaign launched by the interim government after its installation with crucial military support.