Nayara Energy sues Microsoft for suspending services

Nayara Energy, an Indian refiner with Russian backing, has initiated legal proceedings against Microsoft after the tech giant abruptly cut off access to essential services. The second-largest refinery of India claims this suspension, impacting email and collaboration tools, occurred without notice or consultation.

Nayara Energy’s refinery at Vadinar was sanctioned by the European Union as part of its latest measures aimed at curbing the trade in Russian energy. Nayara, which has condemned the sanctions, said that it had filed a case against Microsoft in the Delhi High Court over its withdrawal of services.

Nayara Energy has also now tapped the services of domestic firm, Rediff.com.

Microsoft is currently restricting Nayara Energy’s access to the oil company’s own data, proprietary tools, and products — despite these being acquired under fully paid-up licenses, the company said in a statement.

“This decision, based solely on Microsoft’s unilateral interpretation of recent European Union (EU) sanctions, sets a dangerous precedent for corporate overreach and raises serious concerns regarding its implications on India’s energy ecosystem,” it said.

The company has filed a petition before the Delhi high court seeking an interim injunction and resumption of services to safeguard its rights and ensure continued access to essential digital infrastructure. These steps are aimed at preventing any potential disruption to Nayara’s ability to meet its obligations to Indian consumers and stakeholders, according to the company.