Ahmad v. City of New York

Background

Rasheed Ahmad, who is representing himself, brought this action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a federal law allowing claims against certain government actors for violations of constitutional rights. He also asserted claims under state law. The court previously granted Ahmad permission to proceed without prepaying filing fees.

Service of process

Because Ahmad was allowed to proceed without prepaying fees, the court explained that he could rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve the defendants. The Clerk of Court was directed to prepare a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form for each defendant, issue summonses, and send the necessary documents to the Marshals Service.

The order states that service must be completed within 90 days after the summonses are issued. If service is not completed by then, Ahmad should request an extension of time. The court also instructed Ahmad to notify it in writing if his address changes and warned that the action may be dismissed if he does not do so.

Ruling

Judge Edgardo Ramos ordered the Clerk to issue summonses for the City of New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, and Officer Brian Hu; complete the service forms with each defendant’s address; and deliver the documents to the U.S. Marshals Service. The Clerk was also directed to mail Ahmad an information package. This order addresses service of the lawsuit and does not decide the merits of Ahmad’s claims.