The Hon'ble High Court of Orissa at Cuttack has concluded hearings on Tata Steel Limited's two writ petitions concerning the Sukinda Chromite Block and reserved both matters for judgment. The court has extended interim protection for the steel manufacturer until the final judgment is delivered, providing continued legal safeguards during the judicial review process.

Writ Petition Details and Financial Implications

The two writ petitions involve substantial financial demands totaling ₹4,313.62 crores from mining authorities. The first petition challenges a demand of ₹1,902.73 crores related to alleged shortfall in mineral dispatch for the fourth year of operations, while the second addresses a ₹2,410.90 crores demand concerning chrome ore dispatch shortfall for the fifth year.

Court Proceedings Timeline

Both writ petitions followed similar judicial processes, with the High Court granting interim protection upon filing and tagging them with similar cases. The first petition received interim protection on August 14, 2025, while the second obtained similar relief on November 21, 2025. The court extended interim protection multiple times before concluding hearings on February 2, 2026.

Latest Development and Current Status

According to the company's latest disclosure dated February 4, 2026, the order copies for both writ petitions have been made available, confirming the conclusion of hearings. The High Court has reserved both matters for judgment while maintaining interim protection until the final decision is delivered. This ensures Tata Steel remains protected from coercive action by authorities during the pending judgment phase.

Legal Framework and Compliance

The demands stem from alleged violations of Rule 12-A of the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016, concerning shortfall in dispatch requirements under the Mine Development and Production Agreement. Tata Steel has challenged these assessments through the writ petitions, seeking quashing of the demand letters issued by the Office of Deputy Director of Mines, Jajpur.

The company 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, ensuring transparency regarding material litigation developments.

The European Union and India have proposed a zero tariff arrangement on iron and steel products, representing a potentially significant shift in trade policy between the two major economic regions. This development could reshape the competitive landscape for steel manufacturers operating across both markets.

Trade Policy Development

The proposed elimination of tariffs on iron and steel products between the EU and India would remove existing trade barriers that currently impact the flow of steel goods between these markets. Such an arrangement could enhance trade volumes and create new opportunities for steel manufacturers with operations in both regions.

Industry Implications

Major steel producers, including Tata Steel , which maintains significant operations in both India and Europe, could benefit from reduced trade costs and improved market access. The zero tariff proposal would potentially allow for more efficient allocation of production resources and enhanced competitiveness in cross-border steel trade.

Market Access Enhancement

The proposed tariff elimination could facilitate smoother trade flows between EU and Indian steel markets, potentially reducing costs for manufacturers and improving price competitiveness. This development aligns with broader trends toward reducing trade barriers in the global steel industry.

The proposal represents a notable step in EU-India trade relations, particularly in the steel sector where both regions maintain substantial production capabilities and market presence.