Tata Steel , one of India's leading steel manufacturers, has taken legal action against a substantial mining-related demand imposed by the Office of Deputy Director of Mines, Jajpur. The company has filed a writ petition in the Orissa High Court, challenging a demand of ₹1,902.72 crore for an alleged shortfall in mineral dispatch from its Sukinda Chromite Block.

Details of the Dispute

The demand in question pertains to the period from July 23, 2023, through July 22, 2024, which the authorities claim is in violation of mining concession rules. Specifically, the dispute centers around Rule 12-A of the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016 (MCR 2016).

Legal Proceedings

Tata Steel filed the writ petition (Civil) No. 22431 of 2025 on August 8, 2025, seeking to quash the demand letter issued by the mining authorities. The Orissa High Court heard the matter on August 14, 2025, and has taken the following actions:

1. Tagged Tata Steel's petition with similar pending cases raising identical issues.
2. Scheduled the next hearing for September 2, 2025.
3. Restrained the authorities from taking any coercive action until the next hearing date.

Company's Disclosure

In compliance with regulations 30 and 51 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, Tata Steel has made a formal disclosure to the stock exchanges regarding this legal development. The company's Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, Parvatheesam Kanchinadham, signed the disclosure dated August 19, 2025.

Implications

While the legal challenge is ongoing, the court's decision to restrain authorities from taking coercive action provides Tata Steel with temporary relief. The outcome of this case could have significant financial implications for the company, given the substantial amount involved in the demand.

As the matter is sub judice, stakeholders and investors will be closely watching the developments in this case, particularly the hearing scheduled for September 2, 2025. The resolution of this dispute could impact Tata Steel's financial obligations and its mining operations in the Sukinda Chromite Block.

Tata Steel continues to maintain its position against the demand, and the upcoming legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the validity of the mining authority's claims and the company's obligations under the relevant mining concession rules.

Tata Steel , one of India's leading steel manufacturers, has announced a strategic divestment through its wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Steel Advanced Materials Limited (TSAML). The company has sold its entire stake in Ceramat Private Limited (CPL) to Lionstead Applied Materials Private Limited for a consideration of ₹99.99 lakh.

Divestment Details

The transaction, which was approved and completed on August 18, involved the following key aspects:

• TSAML divested its entire 90% equity stake in CPL
• The company also sold its 100% preference stake in CPL
• The buyer, Lionstead Applied Materials Private Limited, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lionstead Ventures LLP
• Following this divestment, CPL ceases to be a subsidiary of Tata Steel

Financial Impact

The divestment of CPL is expected to have a minimal impact on Tata Steel's overall financial position:

Regulatory Compliance

Tata Steel has made this disclosure in compliance with Regulations 30 and 51 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended. The company confirmed that the transaction does not fall under related party transactions, and the buyer is not part of Tata Steel's promoter group.

Conclusion

This divestment appears to be part of Tata Steel's ongoing strategy to streamline its operations and focus on core businesses. While the financial impact of the sale is relatively small compared to Tata Steel's consolidated figures, it demonstrates the company's commitment to optimizing its portfolio of investments and subsidiaries.

Investors and stakeholders will likely be watching closely to see if this move is part of a broader restructuring effort by Tata Steel, and how it may impact the company's long-term growth strategy in the advanced materials sector.