BREAKING NEWS: IPI’s, subsidiaries’ request for preliminary injunction denied
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona has denied the petition of the Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC and its two subsidiaries for a preliminary injunction that prohibits the Commonwealth Casino Commission from releasing the audited financial statements of IPI.
In a 25-page decision issued Tuesday, Manglona ruled that IPI and its subsidiaries, Grand Marianas (CNMI) LLC and Imperial Pacific Properties LLC, have not met their burden for a preliminary injunction.
Manglona, however, declined to address at this time the motion to remand IPI’s lawsuit against CCC to the Superior Court that was filed by IPI and its subsidiaries, as the issues of abstention and supplemental jurisdiction raised in the motion will be further briefed and argued.
“They have not shown that irreparable harm is likely without an injunction, that the balance of equities tips in their favor, or that an injunction is in the public interest,” the judge said.
Manglona said IPI and its subsidiaries have demonstrated that there are serious questions going to the merits, but without “ a hardship balance that tips sharply toward the plaintiff,” a preliminary injunction for their benefit is not warranted.
More details to follow.