Cape High Court Judge Essa Moosa on Monday reserved judgment in the legal battle over whether Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota has the right to take up the leadership of the party in Parliament.

He did not give any indication when this would be.

Cope deputy leader Mbhazima Shilowa has applied to have a July 2 decision by Cope's congress national committee (CNC) -- which replaced Mvume Dandala with Lekota as the party's political leader in Parliament --declared null and void.

He also wants his removal as Cope's chief whip, and that of his ally Lolo Mashiane as the party's administrative whip, declared unlawful. Shilowa's counsel Norman Arendse has argued that the meeting on July 2 was unlawful and non-quorate.

As was the case most of last week, Monday morning's session was taken up by detailed and technical argument, this time mainly about what constituted a quorum in Cope's CNC and other party structures.

Arendse argued that a quorum should be made up of 50 percent plus one of the total number of positions on a body.

Lekota's counsel Anthony Sawma argued, on the other hand, that a quorum should be 50 percent plus one of the actual incumbents on a body.

Shilowa and Lekota have not exchanged a public greeting since they arrived in court shortly before 10am last Tuesday.

Sawma and Arendse tried last week to convince the two Cope leaders to reach an agreement out of court but failed.

"We did not reach consensus," Shilowa told Sapa then.

"That is why the matter is now before the judge. We remain open to negotiations outside of the court."

On Monday, Shilowa again indicated he was still open to negotiations. The proceedings were again watched by a full public gallery, while a group of Cope supporters sang and waved placards on the steps of the court.