CAIRO, Egypt -- A judicial official says a panel of judges has recommended the dissolution of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest political group, from which ousted President Mohammed Morsi hails.

The panel said Monday in a recommendation to Egypt's administrative court that the Brotherhood has operated in violation of the law.

The recommendation isn't binding to the court, which holds its next hearing on Nov. 12. It appears however a step closer to banning the group, whose legality was disputed even before Morsi's ouster.

The Brotherhood has been banned for most of its 85 years but operated widespread social networks. Facing a slew of court cases questioning its status and funding, it hastily registered in March as a civil association.

The official spoke anonymously as he wasn't authorized to talk to the media.