Maas v. Sullivan

Proskauer, J.: Plaintiffs bring a representative action on behalf of themselves and all other bondholders of the Interborough-Metropolitan Company similarly situated. Ernestine Mauzer, also a bondholder, moves to intervene as a party plaintiff. Defendants urge that she is not similarly situated with the plaintiffs. All were originally holders of the same kind of bonds. Plaintiffs, however, surrendered their bonds to a reorganization committee and, according to the defendants’ claim, thus changed their status. The intervener did not sign the reorganization agreement. The signature of the reorganization agreement by the plaintiffs may or may not constitute a complete defense to their claim against the defendants, They assert in their complaint the rights of these bondholders as a] class. Even a successful denial by defendants that plaintiff eve: owned any bonds would hardly defeat the right to intervene. Th question is whether she is “ a person not a party to the action ’ who has “ an interest in the subject thereof.” (Civ. Prac. Act, § 193.) That the plaintiffs may possibly have lost their own right: cannot deprive her of the mandatory relief to which she is entitle under this action. The application is resisted also on the ground that her claim ifj barred by the Statute of Limitations and that she would be acquir ing by intervention some right to defeat that statute which sh would not otherwise have. The questions concerning the statut are exceedingly difficult and should not be determined on motion] Where, however, a representative action is brought it must “ fo[ the purpose of the statute of limitations * * * be treate< as if all the stockholders were plaintiffs. * * ' * The suit havin] been commenced for their benefit in which full and adequate relie could have been given to them, their rights would not have beef [297] barred by any lapse of time if they had not come in as plaintiffs.” (Brinckerhoff v. Bostwick, 99 N. Y. 185, 194.) In McArdell v. Olcott (62 App. Div. 127, 129) no fact was stated “ indicating any change in the attitude of the plaintiff with reference to the conduct of this action which renders it essential that petitioner be admitted to protect his rights.” Here the very circumstance that there may be a defense to the individual claims of these particular plaintiffs is an added reason why the intervener should be permitted to assert her own rights and those of other bondholders who have not become parties to the reorganization agreement. Motion granted. Settle order on notice.