Tata Steel gets interim protection extension in mining disputes

Tata Steel Limited announced on December 4, 2025, that the High Court of Orissa at Cuttack has extended interim protection until December 12, 2025, in two writ petitions challenging demand letters from the office of deputy director of mines, Jajpur. These petitions relate to alleged shortfalls in mineral dispatch from the company's Sukinda Chromite Block.

The first writ petition, (Civil) No. 22431 of 2025, addresses a demand of ₹1902,72,53,760 for the fourth year (July 23, 2023, through July 22, 2024), citing alleged violation of Rule 12-A of the MCR 2016. The second, (Civil) No. 31035 of 2025, pertains to a demand of ₹2410,89,66,881 for the fifth year (July 23, 2024, through July 22, 2025), also for alleged shortfalls in Chrome Ore dispatch.

Both petitions, filed on August 8, 2025, and October 29, 2025, respectively, seek to quash the demand letters. The High Court initially granted interim protection on August 14, 2025, for the first petition and on November 21, 2025, for the second, restraining authorities from taking coercive action. These protections were subsequently extended, with the latest extension set until December 12, 2025.