Reading the 14-page, hour-long statement, Ramaphosa used words such as "absurd, ridiculous and naive" to drive his message home.

Among its arguments, the league had said it was an autonomous organisation, independent of the ANC.

In response, Ramaphosa said: "However, the present definition of 'autonomous' in the ANC constitution places an onus on the youth league to operate within the framework of the constitution and policies of the ANC.

"Consequently, the appellants' argument that the league could make and publicly communicate its policy, even if it transgressed ANC policy, is absurd."

The league had also argued that members of the national disciplinary committee and ANC secretary- general Gwede Mantashe were biased because they communicated among themselves and issued media statements during the disciplinary process.

Ramaphosa said: "The appellants' argument that members of the NDC should, during the performance of their duties, have no contact with other members of the ANC is absurd.

"The ANC is a vibrant political movement, which encourages constructive debate, and it is not unexpected for ANC members to hold different views.

"However, this does not automatically translate into bias or a perception of bias. Such a conclusion is unreasonable."

The league also argued that certain members of the NDC should have recused themselves because they were not impartial. Ramaphosa said this was "naive and absurd".

He dismissed as "ridiculous" arguments that Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane should have recused himself because his position could mean he was biased.