The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Monday filed its heads of argument in the Supreme Court of Appeal against a judgment that invalidated charges against Jacob Zuma.

Judge Chris Nicholson granted the state leave to appeal in the Durban High Court in October against his September 12 judgment.

In his judgment on appeal Nicholson said the case was a complex one.

Certain sections of the constitution had never before been argued and "occasioned me much anxious deliberation", he said.

On September 12, Nicholson ruled the State's decision to prosecute the African National Congress president Zuma was unlawful because the state had failed to take representation from Zuma.

It was not known by what date Zuma's defence team should file opposing papers at the court in Bloemfontein. - Sapa

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Cape Argus.