Tata Trusts Under Scrutiny as Mehli Mistry Seeks Inquiry into Trustee Appointments and Finances

Mehli Mistry has approached the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner over the end of his tenure at two Tata trusts, as per news reports.  

He has challenged the voting process used to decide his reappointment and raised questions about the eligibility of Noel Tata. He has also sought an inquiry into financial transactions and governance practices across three Tata trusts. 

Dispute Over Trustee Reappointment 

The dispute involves the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution. Both trusts maintain that Mistry's three-year term ended on October 28, 2025, after his reappointment failed to receive unanimous approval. 

Mistry has argued that the original trust documents do not prescribe a fixed three-year tenure. He has cited the 1913 Will and the 1923 Trust Deed, stating that neither document requires a trustee to leave office automatically after three years. 

In his objection to SDTT's Change Report 677/2026, Mistry questioned a circular resolution dated October 23, 2025. He alleged that Venu Srinivasan voted against his reappointment on October 28, although Srinivasan's own tenure had expired five days earlier.  

Mistry has also asked for details of decisions taken by Srinivasan during this period. 

Mistry Questions Noel Tata's Eligibility 

The second objection relates to Change Report 678/2026, concerning the Bai Hirabai institution. Mistry has questioned the participation of Noel Tata, Srinivasan and Vijay Singh in the decision on his reappointment. 

His objection refers to Clauses 6 and 18 of the December 7, 1923, trust deed, which set out religious and residency requirements for trustees. He has sought an affidavit from Noel Tata regarding his Irish citizenship, UAE residency and Golden Visa status. 

The trust has relied on a March 2000 legal opinion by former Chief Justice of India M.H. Kania to dispute the applicability of these conditions. Mistry has challenged this position. 

Inquiry Into Financial Transactions 

In a separate application filed in June, Mistry sought an inquiry into SDTT, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Bai Hirabai institution. 

He has raised questions about commissions and other financial benefits received by trustees through board positions at Tata group companies. The application also mentions an annual commission of around ₹1.42 crore received by Noel Tata from Tata Sons in FY25. 

Other issues include Gerry McGovern's engagement with Norton Motorcycles and an equity infusion into Tata International. Mistry has requested access to board papers, payment records and declarations of interest. 

The trusts have opposed expanding the trustee appointment proceedings to include a wider inquiry into their governance practices. 

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Conclusion 

The matter involves questions over trustee tenure, voting rights and governance practices across three Tata trusts. Mistry has sought an inquiry and access to records relating to the decisions under dispute. 

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