Tata Steel has received a notice from the Supreme Court of India concerning a dispute with the State of Odisha regarding demand notices for alleged mineral dispatch shortfalls. The Hon’ble High Court of Orissa had previously quashed these notices, but the State has filed an appeal. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Tata Steel, with a hearing scheduled for October 5, 2026.
Supreme Court Takes Up Odisha Mineral Dispute
Tata Steel Limited has been notified by the Supreme Court of India regarding an ongoing dispute with the State of Odisha concerning demand notices related to alleged shortfalls in mineral dispatch from its Sukinda Chromite Block. This development follows a judgment by the Hon’ble High Court of Orissa at Cuttack, which had previously quashed the demand notices issued by the Deputy Director of Mines, Jajpur.
Background of the Litigation
The dispute originated with two demand notices issued to the Company. The first, dated July 3, 2025, demanded approximately ₹1902.72 crore for an alleged shortfall in the 4th year of the Mine Development and Production Agreement. The second, dated October 3, 2025, demanded approximately ₹2410.89 crore for an alleged shortfall in the 5th year. Tata Steel had filed two writ petitions before the Hon’ble High Court of Orissa, seeking to quash these demand notices.
High Court Ruling and Subsequent Appeal
On April 20, 2026, the Hon’ble High Court of Orissa pronounced its judgment, quashing the aforementioned demand letters to the extent they were contrary to the court’s conclusions. However, the State of Odisha, aggrieved by this judgment, has filed Special Leave Petitions (Civil) No(s) 28457 of 2026 and 28097 of 2026 before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
Latest Development
The Hon’ble Supreme Court heard these Special Leave Petitions on August 25, 2026. Subsequently, Tata Steel received a copy of the order, indicating that the Supreme Court has issued a notice of hearing to the Company. The matter is now returnable on October 5, 2026.
Source: BSE
