Shah v. Shah

Gayatri Shah (plaintiff) and her husband, Mayank K. Shah (defendant) moved from India to Illinois. Gayatri left Mayank because of domestic abuse and moved to New Jersey. On August 22, 2003, Gayatri sued Mayank pursuant to New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 (PDVA). The court issued an ex parte temporary restraining order and scheduled a hearing for September 4, 2003. After the hearing, the court amended the temporary restraining order to be in effect until September 23, 2003. On September 23, the court amended the temporary restraining order for a second time. The amendment provided that the temporary restraining order would remain in effect and required Mayank to pay Gayatri an initial sum of $1,500 for support and then $300 per week until the final hearing scheduled for October 9. Mayank filed a notice of appeal, arguing that the court lacked subject-matter and personal jurisdiction. Mayank also moved to dismiss the domestic-violence complaint on the same ground. The trial court denied the requests. Mayank appealed. The appellate division held that Gayatri had a lawful presence in New Jersey and was therefore entitled to protection under the state’s laws. Accordingly, the appellate division held that the trial court could issue the temporary restraining order without having personal jurisdiction over Mayank. However, the appellate division held that the issued order was a hybrid order because it granted protective and affirmative relief by requiring Mayank to pay support. The appellate division warned that only a court with personal jurisdiction could enforce the order if Mayank did not comply with the affirmative requirements. Mayank sought review of the judgment.