Mehli Mistry Challenges Tata Trusts Ouster Before Maharashtra Charity Commissioner

Mehli Mistry, a former trustee of Tata Trusts, has formally contested the decision not to renew his term, approaching the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner to ensure due process is followed before any trustee list amendments are finalised, as per The Economic Times report.

Mistry Moves to Secure Right to Be Heard Over Ouster

As per the report, on October 28, 2025, Tata Trusts decided not to renew Mehli Mistry’s term as trustee in its principal arms, namely Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust. These 2 entities hold a dominant stake in Tata Sons, making them central to the Tata Group’s operations. 

In response, Mistry approached the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, filing a caveat to ensure he is given notice and the opportunity to be heard before the change becomes official.

Change Report Yet to Be Filed by Tata Trusts

As of now, Tata Trusts has not submitted the mandatory 'change report' to the Charity Commissioner. Under Section 22 of the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, the change in trustee status must be officially filed, after which the Commissioner issues a notice within 90 days to the outgoing trustee to contest or accept the change. 

However, Mistry has acted preemptively to avoid exclusion without a hearing.

Governance Provisions and Trustee Dispute

Mistry’s argument hinges on a resolution passed on October 17, 2024, which, he contends, supports his reappointment for life following Ratan Tata’s death.

However, trustees Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh opposed this interpretation, stating that automatic renewal is not legally valid, and they are bound by their fiduciary duties to evaluate appointments independently.

Read More: Noel Tata Gains Full Control After Mehli Mistry Leaves Tata Trusts!

Quasi-Judicial Review Will Determine Next Steps

The Charity Commissioner, as a quasi-judicial authority, will examine the Trust Deed and governing documents to assess the legitimacy of the process. 

Both sides, including legal teams from Mistry and the other trustees, have recently been in contact with the Commissioner’s office in Worli, Mumbai, indicating the potential for an extended legal review.

Conclusion

The governance tussle within Tata Trusts, involving prominent figures like Mehli Mistry, signals important implications for transparency and legal order in trust administration.

As the case unfolds before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, the spotlight remains on institutional accountability and succession planning in India’s most influential philanthropic organisation.

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