Federal Judge Threatens Remand Unless Defendants Prove Diversity Jurisdiction

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A dispute over the citizenship of defendants in a shale gas suit has led a federal judge to threaten remand unless defendants provide evidence of complete diversity that would give the court jurisdiction. Shamblin, et ux. v. Chesapeake Energy Corp., et al., No. 3:12-cv-00089 (M.D. Pa.).

Judge A. Richard Caputo on April 25 ordered Chesapeake Energy Corp. and other removing defendants to amend their notice of removal within 21 days to show that diversity jurisdiction exists or face removal to Bradford County (Pa.) Court of Common Pleas, where the case was originally filed.

Plaintiff Todd A. …