Korovin v. Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.

Background

Eugene Korovin brought this action against Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. Korovin was representing himself. To start a civil action in the court, a plaintiff must either pay $402 in filing fees or submit a signed application to proceed without prepaying those fees, commonly called an IFP application.

Korovin filed the complaint without paying the fees or submitting an IFP application. The court had previously granted him an extension through June 30, 2021. In a June 23, 2021 letter, Korovin requested additional time, stating that he could pay by July 22, 2021. The defendant did not oppose the request.

Court’s action

The court granted Korovin’s request for an extension through July 22, 2021. By that date, Korovin had to either pay the $402 filing fee or submit the attached IFP application. If the court granted the application, he would be allowed to proceed without prepaying the filing fees.

The clerk was directed to mail the order to Korovin and record service on the docket. No summons would issue at that time. The order stated that, if Korovin complied, the case would be processed under the clerk’s procedures; if he failed to comply within the allowed time, the action would be dismissed. The court also stated that no further extensions would be granted without good cause.

Appeal-fee ruling and effect

The court certified that any appeal from this order would not be taken in good faith and denied permission to proceed without prepaying fees for an appeal. The order addressed filing-fee requirements and case processing; it did not decide the underlying claims against Citigroup.