Pikoli's lawyer Aslam Moosajee confirmed that papers had been filed to court and that he had received a copy.

He would not comment on the papers as he was still looking through them.

Motlanthe missed the original deadline, which was set for 2 April. Pikoli's lawyers at the time "reluctantly" granted an extension.

The reasons given were that the president needed time to consult with a range of relevant people, including some who were no longer in government — a possible reference to former president Thabo Mbeki.

Pikoli filed papers with the high court in February after Parliament ratified Motlanthe's decision to dismiss him as national director of public prosecutions.

He claims he was suspended by Mbeki for ignoring political orders not to proceed with a corruption case against now suspended police commissioner Jackie Selebi, and finally dismissed by Motlanthe late last year to prevent the prosecution of ANC president Jacob Zuma.

Motlanthe cited concerns that the prosecutor was insensitive to national security issues.

Pikoli has warned the president that should he move to name a successor as head of the NPA, he would seek an urgent interdict to block the appointment.

Motlanthe's spokesperson Thabo Masebe or his lawyers were not immediately available for comment.

Sapa

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