Judicial Service Commission lawyer Gilbert Marcus on Monday said the defence against Judge John Hlophe will not be affected by Muzi Sikhakhane's resignation.

"He resigned for personal reasons and I cannot comment on that, but his resignation will not affect our defence," said Marcus.

The Star reported that Sikhakhane had cited being exposed to degrading conduct as a reason for his withdrawal from the JSC's defence team.

He was a junior counsel to Marcus in the continuing court battle between the JSC and Hlophe.

Hlophe's team tried to stop the JSC investigation into his conduct relating to a Constitutional Court case involving President Jacob Zuma.

On Monday Hlophe was expected to proceed with his bid.