WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Monday won the right to petition the UK Supreme Court in his fight against extradition to Sweden on allegations of rape.

The High Court in London ruled in his favour observing that Assange's case raised a question of general public importance which should be decided by the highest court in the land as quickly as possible.

Swedish authorities want to question the Australian founder of the whistle-blowing website over accusations of rape and sexual assault made by two female former WikiLeaks volunteers during a visit in August 2010.

40-year-old Assange, who has been living in Britain since his arrest in December last year has denied the allegations.

Assange claims the allegations are politically motivated and linked to the activities of his anti-secrecy website, which angered the United States by publishing thousands of classified documents last year.

Had Monday's decision gone against Assange would have faced extradition within 10 days.