THE HIGH Court has ordered the immediate release of 69-year-old Star Sabga from prison and placed under strict house arrest pending the hearing of her constitutional challenge against the Preventive Detention Order (PDO) issued against her.

Justice Vigel Paul on Monday ruled that Sabga, the aunt of businesswoman Genevieve Hadeed, should be released forthwith under a series of stringent conditions after finding there was a serious issue to be tried and that the balance of convenience favoured granting interim relief.

However, the order was stayed until 11.20 p.m. tonight after attorneys representing the State indicated they needed approximately six hours to seek an appeal the decision.