Sofia Regional Court (SRS) chair Metodi Lalov has said he will step down on Friday.

The entire leadership of Bulgaria's biggest and busiest court will follow in his lockstep on Monday, Lalov has told private bTV station's morning program.

His move comes before a protest that will be held by part of SRS judges over a decision of the country's supreme judiciary watchdog, the Supreme Judicial Council (VSS), to launch disciplinary proceedings against judge Miroslava Todorova.

He has also raised awareness of the heavy burden placed on each judge at the SRS, with 1000 court cases assigned to a single magistrate every year and with judges also due to demonstrate over the excessive number of cases. 

The fate of Miroslava Todorova has been sparking controversy for years, reviving old feuds between conflicting political sides and lobbies within the judicial system. 

Lalov has served as the court's chair since 2012.