TRENTON, N.J. — A long-running federal lawsuit between Bais Brucha and the Township of Toms River took a significant turn during a July 1 court hearing, as a federal judge ordered top township officials—including Mayor Daniel Rodrick—to surrender their government-issued electronic devices as part of the discovery process.

The litigation, which centers on Bais Brucha’s efforts to construct a legally permitted shul in Toms River, has been mired in discovery disputes for more than two years. According to Bais Brucha, the discovery phase has stretched for 26 months, delaying progress in the case and prompting increased scrutiny from the court.

The hearing, held in federal court in Trenton before Judge Zahid N. Quraishi and Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni Quinn, focused largely on the prolonged delays in discovery and the Township’s compliance with court-ordered obligations.

During the proceeding, the judges directed the Township’s legal counsel to immediately notify Mayor Rodrick and other senior township officials that they were required to turn over their government-issued electronic devices for forensic discovery. The devices are expected to be examined as part of the ongoing litigation.

According to Bais Brucha, however, Mayor Rodrick has not complied with the court’s directive and has yet to produce the requested devices.

Representatives of Bais Brucha say they are now evaluating their legal options in light of what they characterize as the Mayor’s failure to comply with the federal court’s order. They contend that the Township has repeatedly resisted discovery throughout the course of the litigation, contributing to the lengthy delays that have stalled the case.

The dispute over the electronic devices could become a pivotal issue in the lawsuit, with the court expected to determine what consequences, if any, should follow if the discovery order is not obeyed.

The underlying lawsuit concerns Bais Brucha’s efforts to move forward with the construction of a shul, a project the organization maintains fully complies with applicable law. The outcome of the discovery battle is expected to play a significant role in determining how quickly the broader case proceeds toward resolution.