The government has asked the plant to clear the dues at the earliest.

S.P.S. Jaggi, a spokesperson of the Bhilai plant, has confirmed that its bank account with State Bank of India had been frozen.

Sources said plant officials pleaded for three months' time, but the government did not agree and issued orders to freeze the account.

The government's move comes a few days after the Chhattisgarh High Court endorsed the state government's decision to levy entry tax on the SAIL unit.