Embattled British industrialist Sanjeev Gupta is furious at South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas’ move to seize control of the port at the Whyalla steelworks, saying the matter should be decided by the courts.

It marks the second time in three months the SA government has used legislative powers to take control of an asset previously operated by Gupta, after the loss-making steelworks was forced into administration in February because of growing concerns about its financial viability.