Tata Trusts Plans Changes to Trustee Rules After Eligibility Dispute

Tata Trusts plans to seek approval to alter clauses in the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution that limit trustee eligibility to Zoroastrians, as per a PTI report.  

The decision was taken at a board meeting on 17 April 2026, where trustees reviewed recent developments and agreed to initiate formal proceedings. 

Dispute Over Appointments 

The review follows a complaint by former trustee Mehli Mistry before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner.  

He challenged the appointments of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh, stating that they did not meet requirements related to practising the Parsi Zoroastrian faith and residency in Mumbai under the existing deed. 

Resignation Highlights Governance Issue 

Srinivasan stepped down from the Bai Hirabai Trust earlier in April. The resignation was initially linked to other commitments but was later said to have followed a request from the Trusts’ management.  

The episode brought attention to how the eligibility clauses are interpreted and applied. 

Origin of the Restrictions 

The Bai Hirabai Trust was created through a 1916 codicil to the will of Sir Ratan Tata, who died in 1918. The codicil did not specify any restrictions based on religion or community.  

However, a deed executed in 1923 introduced conditions, including limiting trusteeship to practising Parsis. These provisions have remained in place for more than a century. 

Current Practice and Structure 

Tata Trusts stated that non-Zoroastrians have been appointed as trustees since 2000 based on legal advice from a former Chief Justice of India. It also said similar restrictions are not present in other trusts within the group, including the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. The Bai Hirabai Trust has a limited asset base and modest operational scope. 

Management Position 

At the April meeting chaired by Noel Tata, trustees also expressed support for CEO Siddharth Sharma following reports about his role in asking the vice-chairmen to step down amid the dispute. 

Read More: Adani Properties to Invest ₹1 Lakh Crore in Motilal Nagar Redevelopment in Mumbai! 

Conclusion 

The proposed amendments will require approval from the appropriate authority. The outcome will determine whether the existing eligibility clauses in the trust deed are formally revised. 

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