Mehli Mistry has petitioned the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner to contest his exit from two Tata trusts, alleging procedural flaws and invalid voting. The challenge also questions Chairman Noel Tata's eligibility based on trust deed provisions. This governance dispute has brought fresh regulatory scrutiny to the administrative structure of the philanthropic institutions, with the next hearing scheduled for December 3, 2026.
Mehli Mistry is legally contesting his removal as a trustee from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution. He has filed a petition with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, arguing that his departure from the board was not handled correctly under the rules of the institutions. Mistry claims that his tenure did not officially end in October 2025 as the trusts have stated, and he is seeking a formal review of the decision-making process.
The core of the dispute involves the validity of the vote that blocked his reappointment. Mistry has alleged that Venu Srinivasan participated in this vote despite his own tenure having already expired in October 2025. By challenging this, Mistry is questioning the legal authority and the quorum of the board meeting that led to his exit, suggesting that the proceedings may be invalid.
Beyond the procedural arguments, Mistry has raised questions about the leadership of Chairman Noel Tata. His petition cites provisions from the 1923 Bai Hirabai Trust Deed, which outlines specific criteria for those serving as trustees. Mistry has pointed to issues such as Irish citizenship, UAE residency status, and religious requirements mentioned in these foundational documents to argue that Noel Tata’s current position should be subject to a regulatory review to ensure full compliance.
The Tata trusts have responded to these challenges by maintaining that Mistry’s tenure concluded on October 28, 2025. The trusts have stated that Mistry no longer has the legal standing to challenge subsequent governance actions taken by the board. They have also dismissed the allegations regarding governance and eligibility as non-maintainable under the current legal framework.
This dispute has drawn attention to the internal governance of the Tata Trusts, which are major shareholders in the Tata group. While the matter is currently a legal conflict, it highlights the importance of adherence to trust deeds and administrative transparency. Investors often monitor such governance matters because the trusts hold significant influence over the long-term direction of the Tata conglomerate. The Maharashtra Charity Commissioner is overseeing the case, and the next update is expected following the hearing scheduled for December 3, 2026.