Plain-English summary
Court rules district courts cannot extend the 30‑day removal window in §1446(b)(1)
The Court unanimously held that the 30‑day statutory deadline for removing a case to federal court under 28 U.S.C. §1446(b)(1) cannot be excused by equitable tolling. Enbridge’s late removal was untimely and the Sixth Circuit’s ruling for Michigan was affirmed.
Why this matters
The decision clarifies that parties seeking to remove state cases to federal court must follow the strict 30‑day deadline in §1446(b)(1) or forfeit federal removal. That reduces uncertainty about whether courts can excuse late removals and reinforces strict compliance with statutory removal procedures.
Who may feel it
- Plaintiffs and defendants involved in state‑court litigation who may consider federal removal
- Federal and state trial courts handling removal motions
- Corporate defendants and insurers that frequently remove cases to federal court
- Litigation counsel who manage removal deadlines
Key questions
- Does §1446(b)(1)’s 30‑day removal deadline permit equitable tolling so district courts can excuse late removals?