The Constitutional Court on Tuesday reserved judgement in businessman Schabir Shaik's application for leave to appeal against a Durban High Court ruling.

The ruling would have forced Shaik to answer questions on allegations of bribery against Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

The High Court found earlier this year that Shaik, who was Zuma's confidante and financial adviser, could have to answer the Scorpions' questions in terms of Section 28 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act.

The section allows an investigating director to summon for questioning anyone who was believed to have information about an investigation.

Shaik had objected to being questioned as he said the section contradicted a suspect's right to remain silent.

At the time Shaik was being investigated for allegations of corruption in the government's arms deal.

Although he had not been charged with any offence, he was a suspect in the investigation.

The Durban High Court had held the section was crucial in the fight against organised crime and corruption and if the right to silence were extended to suspects, the object of the act would be defeated.

The Constitutional Court had to decide whether it would hear the case.

Shaik will face another High Court trial next year, dealing with allegations of corruption, tax evasion and fraud.

These allegations followed the Scorpions' probe into Shaik's business dealings, including his company, Nkobi Holdings, and several other businesses in which he has interests.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and www.iol.co.za.