Shares of Vedanta Ltd. came under pressure on Wednesday, falling nearly 3 percent intraday after reports surfaced of serious regulatory and legal hurdles in its proposed demerger plan. The stock hit a low of ₹438.65 on the NSE, down from the previous close of ₹450.20, before settling at ₹439.96 by 1 PM. This decline comes despite broader market strength, with the Nifty50 up 0.3 percent at 24,056 levels.
The sell-off reflects investor concerns over mounting objections from the central government and regulatory bodies, which have cast doubt on the timeline and structure of Vedanta’s ambitious demerger.
Background: Vedanta’s Demerger Strategy
In September 2024, Vedanta announced a plan to restructure its business into four separate listed entities focused on:
- Aluminium
- Oil and Gas
- Power
- Base Metals
The move was aimed at simplifying operations, unlocking shareholder value, and improving capital allocation. Initially scheduled for completion by March 2025, the deadline was later extended to September 30, 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
NCLT Defers Hearing to September 17
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has now deferred its hearing on the demerger to September 17, following serious objections raised by the central government. According to reports, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas flagged concerns that the demerger could hinder the government’s ability to recover dues from the company.
During the proceedings, the government accused Vedanta of:
- Concealing key financial details
- Inflating revenue figures
- Under-reporting liabilities
These allegations have prompted the tribunal to delay its decision, adding uncertainty to the restructuring timeline.
SEBI Issues Warning Over Scheme Modifications
In a parallel development, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an administrative warning to Vedanta. The regulator stated that the company modified its demerger scheme after receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from SEBI and the stock exchanges—a move SEBI termed a “serious breach” of its master circular.
Such post-approval alterations are considered violations of procedural norms and have raised questions about transparency and governance within the company.
Supreme Court Ruling Adds to Pressure
Adding to Vedanta’s legal woes, the Supreme Court recently dismissed the company’s plea seeking additional compensation for its Talwandi Sabo Power Project in Punjab. Vedanta had challenged the withdrawal of ‘deemed export’ benefits and sought higher financial relief. However, the apex court upheld the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity’s ruling, stating that the company was never legitimately entitled to such benefits.
This decision effectively closes the door on any further compensation from the project and adds to the financial strain on Vedanta’s power business.
Financial Snapshot
Vedanta reported a consolidated net profit of ₹3,185 crore in Q1 FY26, down 11.7 percent year-on-year. However, revenue from operations rose 5.75 percent to ₹37,824 crore. The company has scheduled a board meeting on August 21 to consider a second interim dividend, with the record date set for August 27.
Despite these efforts to maintain shareholder returns, the stock has declined nearly 17 percent from its 52-week high of ₹526.95, touched in December 2024.
Investor Outlook
The convergence of regulatory objections, legal setbacks, and governance concerns has created a cloud of uncertainty around Vedanta’s demerger. While the company maintains that the restructuring will enhance operational efficiency and shareholder value, the delays and objections suggest a more complex road ahead.
Investors will be closely watching the NCLT hearing on September 17, SEBI’s next steps, and any updates from the board meeting regarding dividend payouts. Until then, volatility in Vedanta’s share price is likely to persist.
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