Opinion ID: 561148
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Removal Statute

Text: 5 The right to remove a state court action to federal court on diversity grounds is statutory, see Little York Gold-Washing & Water Co. v. Keyes, 96 U.S. 199, 201, 24 L.Ed. 656 (1877), and must therefore be invoked in strict conformity with statutory requirements, see 1A J. Moore & B. Ringle, Moore's Federal Practice p 0.157, at 33-34 (2d ed.1989). In light of the congressional intent to restrict federal court jurisdiction, as well as the importance of preserving the independence of state governments, federal courts construe the removal statute narrowly, resolving any doubts against removability. See Shamrock Oil & Gas Corp. v. Sheets, 313 U.S. 100, 108, 61 S.Ct. 868, 872, 85 L.Ed. 1214 (1941); 1A J. Moore & B. Ringle, Moore's Federal Practice p 0.157 at 38 (2d ed.1989). 6 Under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1446(b), the petitioning party must file a notice of removal with the district court within thirty days after receipt of the initial pleading. See 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1446(b) (1988). While the statutory time limit is mandatory, it is merely a formal and modal requirement and is not jurisdictional. Fristoe v. Reynolds Metals Co., 615 F.2d 1209, 1212 (9th Cir.1980). Nevertheless, absent a finding of waiver or estoppel, federal courts rigorously enforce the statute's thirty-day filing requirement. See, e.g., Nicola Prods. Corp. v. Showart Kitchens, Inc., 682 F.Supp. 171, 173 (E.D.N.Y.1988); Martropico Compania Naviera S.A. v. Perusahaan Pertambangan Minyak Dan Gas Bumi Negara, 428 F.Supp. 1035, 1037 (S.D.N.Y.1977).