The Hon’ble High Court has extended interim protection concerning disputes over the Sukinda Chromite Block in Orissa until January 8, 2026. The disputes involve demand letters totaling ₹4313.62 crore related to alleged shortfalls in mineral dispatches. Tata Steel continues to contest these demands, asserting compliance with regulations and seeking quashing of the demand letters.
Orissa Mines Dispute Update
Tata Steel is involved in disputes pertaining to its Sukinda Chromite Block in Orissa. These disputes originate from demand letters related to alleged shortfalls in mineral dispatches.
Details of Demand Letters
The first demand letter, issued on July 3, 2025, claims ₹1902.73 crore due to a revised assessment of dispatch shortfalls from the Sukinda Chromite Block. Tata Steel challenged this demand via Writ Petition No. 22431 of 2025.
The second demand letter, issued on October 3, 2025, claims ₹2410.90 crore, also related to dispatch shortfalls. This was contested through Writ Petition No. 31035 of 2025.
Court Extends Protection
On December 19, 2025, the Hon’ble High Court reviewed both Writ Petition 1 and Writ Petition 2. The court has decided to extend the interim protection, preventing authorities from taking coercive action against Tata Steel, until the next hearing date scheduled for January 8, 2026.
Source: BSE