Azzarmi v. 55 Fulton Market

Background

Since April 27, 2021, plaintiff Aasir Azzarmi had filed three motions seeking to compel discovery, obtain related relief, and impose sanctions under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, 28 U.S.C. § 1927, and the court’s inherent authority. The motions totaled 119 pages. The second and third motions were filed on May 12 and 13, after the court denied Azzarmi’s first motion on May 3, without prejudice to renewing it as to certain interrogatories if he followed the required discovery-dispute procedures.

The opinion states that Azzarmi’s filings and email correspondence repeatedly used personal insults and other accusations against defendant’s lead counsel. The requested relief included orders concerning verification of interrogatory answers, amendment of the complaint, the timing of Azzarmi’s deposition, additional interrogatories, and defendant’s responses to requests for admission.

Court’s Orders

The court ordered the parties to participate in a telephone conference on May 20, 2021, at noon. Before that conference, the parties were prohibited from serving additional discovery demands or notices, filing or threatening to file additional discovery or sanctions motions, or submitting further letters, briefs, declarations, or other materials supporting or opposing the pending motions.

Judge Barbara Moses separately ordered Azzarmi, both before and after the conference, to refrain from name-calling and other personal attacks against opposing counsel. The court reminded him that people representing themselves, like lawyers, must address adversaries courteously and warned that abusive and insulting language can lead to significant sanctions.

Disposition and Classification

This was a procedural order addressing discovery conduct, filings, and courtroom management. It did not decide the merits of Azzarmi’s claims or resolve the pending discovery motions. The opinion does not state a final disposition of those motions.