Tata Trusts dispute deepens as Mehli Mistry challenges Noel Tata's eligibility and fees

Former Tata Trusts trustee Mehli Mistry has launched a sweeping legal challenge before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, questioning the eligibility of chairman Noel Tata and demanding an independent inquiry into the administration of the country's foremost philanthropic foundation.

The rejoinders, lodged before the Deputy Charity Commissioner for Greater Mumbai, arrive in response to change reports filed by the trusts following the cessation of Mistry's trusteeship in October 2025. Tata Trusts had sought to dismiss Mistry's objections by citing his British citizenship and United Arab Emirates tax residency. Mistry has turned that same scrutiny back on the leadership, pointing to Noel Tata's Irish citizenship and UAE Golden Visa status while calling for sworn affidavits regarding trustee eligibility.

What Mehli Mistry is challenging

In his submissions, Mistry argues that the standards used to question his locus standi must apply equally across the board. The dispute centers on two historic endowments: the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution.

Mistry specifically targeted the validity of the October 2025 decision that ended his tenure. He argued that trustee Venu Srinivasan's term had lapsed days before the vote took place. Although trust records recorded that Srinivasan's vote should be disregarded, Mistry contended that his presence in deliberations compromised the legality of the entire resolution.

He has also questioned the appointment of non-Parsi trustees, including Srinivasan and former defence secretary Vijay Singh, to the Bai Hirabai Trust, citing founding deeds that specify trustees must profess the Parsi Zoroastrian faith. The trusts have countered that those clauses conflict with the original will and codicil.

Scrutiny over finances and governance

Beyond eligibility, Mistry requested an inquiry under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, into board compensation and commercial decisions. His filings cite an annual commission of approximately ₹1.42 crore paid to Noel Tata by Tata Sons Private Limited during the 2024–25 financial year, alongside decisions involving equity allocations in Tata International, the engagement of Gerry McGovern at Norton Motorcycles, and the exercise of voting rights in Tata Sons.

Mistry made clear in his application that he is not seeking reinstatement to the trusts. Instead, he requested an independent administrative review, and the appointment of an administrator if deemed necessary, to safeguard the institution's longstanding reputation for governance.

The Deputy Charity Commissioner has directed the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Bai Hirabai Trust to submit their formal responses to Mistry's rejoinders ahead of the next hearing on 3 December.