Within 10 days after the service of a complaint or other application in which equitable relief is sought, the defendant, prior to the filing of his answer, may petition in writing for good cause shown to the Chief Justice of the Superior Court for the assignment of a justice to preside on the matter other than the justice to whom the original complaint or application was presented. Upon the receipt of that petition the Chief Justice of the Superior Court may assign another justice to hear the matter. When the Chief Justice of the Superior Court is presiding on the matter, a petition for the assignment of a justice, other than the Chief Justice of the Superior Court, shall be made to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. Upon the receipt of that petition the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may assign another justice to hear the matter.   [PL 1983, c. 688, §6 (AMD).]