K & Y American Invest. Pro., Inc. v. United States ( 2013 )

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
No. 12-642C
(Filed: July 23, 2013)
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K & Y AMERICAN INVEST. PRO., INC., *
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Plaintiff, *
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v. *
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THE UNITED STATES, *
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Defendant. *
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DISMISSAL FOR FAILURE TO PROSECUTE
On September 27, 2012, the above-captioned case was transferred to the
undersigned from the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The
transfer complaint was due by October 29, 2012, and counsel for Plaintiff was required to
gain admission to this Court’s bar by November 16, 2012, if he continued to represent his
client in this tribunal. Despite these deadlines, there had been no activity in this case
since the September 27, 2012 transfer. Accordingly, on July 1, 2013, the Court ordered
Plaintiff to show cause by July 15, 2013, as to why the Court should not dismiss the case
under Court Rule 41(b) for failure to prosecute. Plaintiff remains unresponsive.
Rule 41(b) provides that “[i]f the plaintiff fails to prosecute or comply with these
rules or a court order, the court may dismiss on its own motion or the defendant may
move to dismiss the action or any claim against it.” Rule 41(b) is a necessary tool to
ensure efficient docket management and prevent undue delays in litigation. Link v.
Wabash R.R. Co., 370 U.S. 626, 629-30 (1962). Although harsh, “[d]ismissal is justified
when a party repeatedly fails to timely respond to court rules and court-imposed orders,
including an order to show cause why a complaint should not be dismissed.” Carpenter
v. United States, 38 Fed. Cl. 576, 578 (1997) (citing Kadin Corp. v. United States, 782
F.2d 175, 176-77 (Fed. Cir. 1986)). Here, Plaintiff has failed to take any of the required
steps necessary for the adjudication of its case in this tribunal. Dismissal is therefore not
only appropriate, but required to maintain efficient usage of the Court’s resources.
Accordingly, this case is DISMISSED, with prejudice, for failure to prosecute in
accordance with Rule 41(b).
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/ Thomas C. Wheeler
THOMAS C. WHEELER
Judge
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