Tata Steel Secures Extended Court Protection in ₹4,313 Crore Mining Dispute
Tata Steel Limited has secured extended interim protection from the Orissa High Court until January 19, 2026, in two writ petitions challenging mining authority demands totaling ₹4,313.62 crores. The disputes involve alleged shortfalls in mineral dispatch from the Sukinda Chromite Block for two consecutive assessment periods under the Mine Development and Production Agreement. The court's protection prevents authorities from taking coercive action while legal proceedings continue.
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Tata Steel Limited has received extended interim protection from the Orissa High Court until January 19, 2026, in two critical writ petitions challenging mining authority demands totaling ₹4,313.62 crores related to its Sukinda Chromite Block operations.
Court Proceedings and Timeline
The company disclosed on January 12, 2026, that the Orissa High Court at Cuttack has further extended interim protection in both litigation matters, restraining opposite parties and authorities from taking coercive action until the next hearing date.
First Writ Petition Details
The first dispute centers on a demand letter received on July 3, 2025, from the Office of Deputy Director of Mines, Jajpur. The following table outlines the key parameters of this case:
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Demand Amount: | ₹1,902.73 crores |
| Assessment Period: | July 23, 2023 to July 22, 2024 (4th year) |
| Writ Petition Number: | 22431 of 2025 |
| Filing Date: | August 8, 2025 |
| Initial Protection Date: | August 14, 2025 |
The demand relates to revised assessment of shortfall in mineral dispatch from the Sukinda Chromite Block, allegedly violating Rule 12-A of the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016, and consequent appropriation of performance security.
Second Writ Petition Overview
A second demand letter was issued on October 3, 2025, leading to another legal challenge. The case details are as follows:
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Demand Amount: | ₹2,410.90 crores |
| Assessment Period: | July 23, 2024 to July 22, 2025 (5th year) |
| Writ Petition Number: | 31035 of 2025 |
| Filing Date: | October 29, 2025 |
| Initial Protection Date: | November 21, 2025 |
This demand concerns assessment of shortfall in Chrome Ore dispatch from the same mining block, also citing alleged violation of Rule 12A of the MCR 2016 and consequent appropriation of performance security.
Legal Strategy and Court Response
Both writ petitions have been tagged with similar cases by the Orissa High Court, indicating a pattern of such disputes in the mining sector. The court has consistently granted interim protection since the initial hearings, preventing authorities from taking immediate coercive measures against the company.
The legal proceedings demonstrate Tata Steel's systematic approach to challenging what it considers improper demands by mining authorities. The company seeks quashing of both demand letters through the judicial process.
Regulatory Compliance
Tata Steel has made this disclosure in compliance with Regulations 30 and 51 read with Schedule III of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The disclosure follows the company's previous communication dated December 23, 2025, regarding material litigations relating to the Sukinda Chromite Block.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 19, 2026, when the court will review the cases and determine the future course of these significant mining disputes affecting the steel manufacturer's operations.
Historical Stock Returns for Tata Steel
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +1.69% | +0.48% | +3.64% | +23.20% | +41.77% | +196.35% |
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