SC seeks Tata Steel reply to Odisha government's appeal against High Court order

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Tuesday sought response from Tata Steel on an appeal by the Odisha government against the state high court's decision that quashed its ₹4,314 crore demand raised on the steelmaker for alleged shortfall in dispatch of minerals and chrome ore from the latter's Sukinda Chromite block.

The apex court will next hear the Odisha government's appeal against Tata Steel on October 5.

The dispute arose from two demand letters issued by the Deputy Director of Mines, Jajpur. The July 3, 2025, notice had raised a demand of ₹1,902.72 crore for the fourth year of the Mine Development and Production Agreement (July 2023-July 2024). The October 3, 2025 letter levied ₹2,410.89 crore for the fifth year (July 2024-July 2025). Both demands alleged violations of Rule 12A of the Minerals Concession Rules, 2016.


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The Odisha government had issued a letter of intent in favour of Tata Steel for grant of a mining lease over an area exceeding 406 hectares for a period of 50 years.