NEW DELHI (India CSR): Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta Limited has been slapped with a hefty Rs 320 crore penalty by the Central Tax Principal Commissioner’s office in Visakhapatnam. The penalty pertains to unpaid Oil Industry Development Cess by partner Videocon Industries Limited for the period between December 2019 and March 2023 in the Ravva Oil and Gas Block.

Reason and Amount of the Penalty

Vedanta clarified that the penalty is applicable to Videocon Industries’ share and not Vedanta’s.

Penalty Amount: Rs 319.79 crore.
Components: This includes the Oil Industry Development Cess and applicable interest.
Vedanta emphasized that this penalty will not have a direct impact on its financial metrics.

Vedanta’s Response

Vedanta Limited stated that it is evaluating the possibility of appealing the order. The company also assured stakeholders that this penalty will not affect its operational or financial performance.

Overview of Vedanta’s Financials

September 2024 Quarter: Vedanta reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 4,352 crore.
Revenue: Rs 37,171 crore.
The company remains confident that its financial stability will not be impacted by this order.

Delay in Disclosing the Order

Vedanta received the order on November 11, 2024, but disclosed it to the stock exchanges on November 14, 2024.

Reason for Delay: Vedanta explained that it was assessing the reasons and verifying the authenticity of the order before disclosure.

Impact on Stock Market

On November 14, 2024, Vedanta’s shares closed slightly lower at Rs 433.50.

Market Cap: Rs 1.69 lakh crore.
Despite the news, the long-term performance of the company is not expected to be negatively affected.

Preparation for Appeal

Vedanta stated its intent to challenge the order with the appropriate authority.

Company’s Stand: It expects the issue to be resolved through the appeal process.
Root of the Dispute: The penalty primarily concerns Videocon Industries’ obligations.

You Learn

The Rs 320 crore penalty order presents a significant challenge for Vedanta, but the company is proactively working to minimize its impact. Through an appeal and legal processes, Vedanta is optimistic about resolving the matter. The company has reassured investors that its financial performance remains robust, leaving no reason for concern.