Ali v. American University of Antigua, Inc.

Background

Mohamed Abo Ali, who appears without a lawyer, brought this action against American University of Antigua, Inc. (AUA) and Manipal Education Americas, LLC (MEA). He asserts claims under federal-question and diversity jurisdiction. He describes AUA as a foreign private corporation incorporated in Florida with its principal campus in Antigua and Barbuda. He describes MEA as a New York limited liability company that owns and operates AUA and has its principal place of business in New York County, New York.

The court had previously granted Ali permission to proceed without prepaying filing fees. In this order, the court addressed how the defendants would receive formal notice of the lawsuit. The order did not decide the merits of Ali’s claims or his request for a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order.

Court’s action

Because Ali was allowed to proceed without prepaying fees, the court stated that he could rely on assistance from the court and the United States Marshals Service to complete service. Judge Ramos directed the Clerk of Court to issue summonses for AUA and MEA, complete a service form for each defendant, and provide the Marshals Service with the documents needed to serve the summonses, amended complaint, order to show cause for emergency relief, and supporting affidavits. The court identified alternative service addresses for each defendant in the order.

The court stated that if the documents are not served within 90 days after the summonses are issued, Ali should request an extension of time. It also directed Ali to notify the court in writing if his address changes and stated that the action may be dismissed if he fails to do so.

Disposition

The court directed the Clerk to mail Ali an information package and to issue the summonses, complete the service forms, and send the necessary papers to the United States Marshals Service for service on AUA and MEA.