Mehli Mistry says he was unlawfully ousted from Tata Trusts
Former Tata Trusts trustee Mehli Mistry has filed objections before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner challenging a change report filed by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), alleging governance failures, conflicts of interest and misuse of trust resources by certain trustees.
In his submission last week, Mistry contends that the trustees of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust unanimously passed a resolution on October 17, 2024, to renew the tenure of the trustees to ensure continuity after the death of Ratan Tata. However, he alleges that, despite this understanding, certain trustees subsequently voted against renewing his term and “unlawfully ousted” him from the trusts.
Mistry argues that the decision was taken after he raised concerns regarding governance issues within the trusts. He has urged the Charity Commissioner to examine whether the October 2024 resolution remains valid in light of amendments introduced through Section 30A of the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, which prescribe conditions for the appointment and reappointment of trustees.
A major plank of Mistry’s objections relates to alleged commissions and remuneration received by some trustees from Tata Sons and other Tata group companies while serving as nominee directors. He alleges that Vijay Singh received more than ₹20 crore over several years from Tata Sons and other group entities, primarily through commissions and remuneration. According to Mistry, such payments raise questions about conflicts of interest and fiduciary responsibilities owed to public charitable trusts.
He has argued that any remuneration earned by trustees in their capacity as nominees of the trusts ought to accrue to the trusts rather than be retained personally. Mistry has sought directions for such sums to be returned to the trusts along with interest.
The objections also refer to allegations involving the use of Tata group personnel for personal business purposes by another trustee. Mistry claims that after he raised these issues before fellow trustees, his tenure was not renewed.
Additionally, the filing cites a criminal complaint previously lodged against one trustee in connection with the alleged theft of a temple idol in Chennai, contending that the matter warrants scrutiny from a governance perspective.
Mistry has asked the Charity Commissioner to conduct a detailed inquiry into the affairs and administration of the trusts and examine the allegations raised in his objections.