Tata Chemicals said on October 24 that the High Court of Kenya lacks jurisdiction over a dispute involving its subsidiary, Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd. The court order came on October 23. The company said, "TCML is examining the order and will take legal and all other necessary steps."

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Tata Chemicals Ltd on Saturday (October 24) said the High Court of Kenya had ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over a dispute involving its Kenyan subsidiary, Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd (TCML), and could not proceed further in the matter. The order was issued on October 23, according to the company's regulatory filing.

TCML is examining the court's order and will determine the legal and other measures required to address the matter, the company said in its disclosure to BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

"The High Court of Kenya has passed an order dated October 23, 2026, that the Hon’ble Court has no jurisdiction on the dispute and cannot take any further steps. TCML, is examining the order and will take legal and all other necessary steps for way forward in this matter," Tata Chemicals said in the exchange filing.

The disclosure follows the company's earlier communication dated July 29, 2026, regarding a notice issued by Kenya's Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs on July 28. Tata Chemicals subsequently provided a status update on September 9.

Committee reviewing regulatory issues

Separately, a committee comprising Kenya's Principal Secretary for Mining, representing the ministry, and TCML's chief executive officer is undertaking a detailed technical assessment of the issues surrounding the subsidiary's operations.

According to the October 24 filing, the committee is expected to submit its findings to the office of Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for consideration and further directions. Its mandate includes developing a sustainable framework that promotes responsible mining, value addition, community development and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Earlier this month, Tata Chemicals announced plans to establish a high-level technical committee jointly with the Kenyan government to review regulatory concerns involving TCML. The initiative was aimed at addressing the dispute that had prompted Kenyan authorities to order the suspension of the subsidiary's operations.

In an earlier exchange filing, Tata Chemicals said TCML had submitted the information, reports and documents sought by the Kenyan government on August 11. The subsidiary maintained that it was complying with applicable regulatory requirements and was awaiting the ministry's assessment of its submissions and further directions.

Kenya's action against Tata Chemicals subsidiary

The dispute escalated after Kenyan President William Ruto said he had directed Tata Chemicals to stop operating in the country, arguing that the company's presence had not delivered adequate benefits to Kenya. Ruto also said the government intended to bring in two companies to take over the operations.

In late July, the Kenyan government ordered TCML to suspend operations at its Magadi Soda factory and halted soda ash exports, adding to uncertainty surrounding the business.

Tata Chemicals acquired the Magadi plant in 2005. The company has described the business as an integral part of its operations and said it respected the Kenyan government's authority. It has also expressed its commitment to resolving the outstanding issues through constructive engagement and appropriate legal and regulatory channels.