Late Ratan Tata’s close associate Mehli Mistry files caveat:Removed from Tata Trusts, now seeking a hearing from the charity commissioner

After the decision to remove Mehli Mistry, a close associate of Ratan Tata, from Tata Trusts, a legal battle has now begun. Mehli has filed a caveat with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner. In this caveat, he has demanded that he should be given a hearing opportunity before making any changes to the trusts’ board. His term ended on 28 October and the majority of trustees did not renew it. What is the complete matter? Mehli Mistry was made trustee of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust in 2022. His three-year term ended on 28 October 2025. On 23 October, a circular was sent seeking trustees’ consent for Mehli Mistry’s life trusteeship. However, Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh opposed this. With these three voting against Mehli Mistry, a majority was formed. In Sir Dorabji Trust, Pramit Jhaveri and Darius Khambatta supported him, while in Sir Ratan Trust, Khambatta and Jehangir Jehangir also agreed. Meanwhile, Jimmy Tata stayed away from this voting. Why 17 October resolution is important? The trusts passed a resolution on 17 October 2024, right after Ratan Tata’s death. It stated that any trustee would be reappointed without limit after their term ends. Mehli is using this as a basis to say that renewal should be automatic. He raised this point in the caveat. The Charity Commissioner has to file a change report within 90 days, and Mehli wants a hearing before that. No statement has come from Tata Trusts No official statement has come from Tata Trusts yet. But according to sources, the board is going to meet on November 11. Noel Tata is the chairman of this board. While Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh are vice chairmen. Mehli is also the executor of Ratan Tata’s will. Senior lawyer HP Ranina said that Mehli will get notice from the caveat and can present his case before the commissioner. The Trusts can also give their opinion. Mistry’s old connection with Tata family Mehli Mistry is from Shapoorji Pallonji Group, which holds 18% stake in Tata Sons. In 2016, Cyrus Mistry was removed from the position of Tata Sons chairman. Mehli stood with Ratan Tata at that time. Meanwhile, Noel Tata’s wife Aloo Mistry is Mehli’s cousin. This decision is being discussed in the Parsi community. Ratan Tata’s stepsisters Shireen and Diana Jejeebhoy called it a retaliatory action. What can happen next in the case? If the Charity Commissioner sides with Mehli, the trusts may need to be reviewed. Otherwise, the matter could go up to the High Court or Supreme Court. Tata Trusts holds 66% shares in Tata Sons, so board changes will affect group governance. Mehli’s departure has strengthened Noel Tata’s control, but the legal battle could be prolonged.