Maharashtra Charity Commissioner Extends Deadline for Tata Trusts Response

The Maharashtra Charity Commissioner granted the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) a one-week extension, until October 19, to respond to complaints of misgovernance. Trustees Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh, both vice-chairmen of SDTT, allege that the trust improperly intervened in the commercial affairs of Tata Sons, a move they claim could jeopardize the trust's charitable tax-exempt status.

Srinivasan and Singh specifically challenge the appointment of Noel Tata as chairman and perpetual trustee, alleging a power grab designed to suppress dissent regarding the potential stock market listing of Tata Sons. The dispute follows a September 17 boardroom conflict involving the chairmanship of N Chandrasekaran and the listing status of the holding company.

Noel Tata and other senior trustees, including Neville Tata, Darius Khambata, and Bhaskar Bhat, have denied the allegations. They accuse Srinivasan and Singh of breaching fiduciary duties by publicly supporting a listing of Tata Sons, which they claim contradicts established board resolutions to remain unlisted. In response to the complaints, seven Tata Trusts have filed 84 caveats before the Charity Commissioner to ensure they are heard before any orders are issued. This legal battle occurs while the Sir Ratan Tata Trust remains under investigation and is barred from holding meetings by the Charity Commissioner.