Libya's Supreme Court has declared the country's internationally-recognized parliament unconstitutional, deepening a rift between rival power centers in the embattled nation.
Libya's House of Representatives was elected in June and has been operating out of the eastern city of Tobruk.
It was forced to flee Tripoli after an armed group linked to the western city of Misrata seized the capital, dividing the North African country.
In its ruling, Libya's top court says the committee which prepared the election law violated Libya's provisional constitution.
The ruling has sent hundreds into the streets in celebration.
"This ruling means that what is called the parliament that is held in Tobruk has become a thing of the past and decisions no longer have any meaning because the Libyans have now started anew on the road of constitutions, institutions, and the rule of law."
The parliament in Tobruk has rejected the ruling.
Libya has been in a state of virtual chaos since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi three years ago, with rival militias fighting for control of different parts of the country.
