Orissa High Court Slams Vedanta: Bauxite Plea Dismissed

The Orissa High Court on [date] dismissed a petition filed by Vedanta Ltd. seeking the supply of bauxite at prices specified in a 2004 agreement. The court held that the company cannot seek revival of old agreements after having participated in the process initiated under the amended long-term linkage policy for bauxite.

Vedanta had argued that it was entitled to bauxite at the rates agreed upon in 2004, but the court noted that the company had willingly participated in the auction process under the amended policy, which superseded previous arrangements. The court's order emphasizes that parties cannot approbate and reprobate, meaning they cannot accept the benefits of a new policy while simultaneously claiming rights under an old agreement.

The ruling is a significant setback for Vedanta's alumina refinery operations in Odisha, which depend on bauxite supply. It reinforces the state's stance on long-term linkage policies and could set a precedent for similar cases. Vedanta may consider appealing the decision in a higher court, while the Odisha government is expected to continue implementing its amended policy to ensure transparent allocation of mineral resources.