Mehli Mistry Challenges Noel Tata Over Trust Governance
Mehli Mistry has filed legal challenges with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner alleging governance failures and improper financial benefits within the Tata Trusts.
Former trustee Mehli Mistry has launched a series of legal challenges before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner against the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution. Mistry alleges his removal from these trusts was illegal, specifically claiming that trustee Venu Srinivasan cast an invalid vote against his reappointment on October 28, 2025, after his own tenure had expired.
Mistry is seeking an independent inquiry into the trusts' administration, alleging conflicts of interest and improper financial gains. He has urged the commissioner to rule that commissions earned by trust-nominated directors on the Tata Sons board belong to the charitable institutions rather than the individuals. Mistry highlighted that Noel Tata received a commission of Rs 1.42 crore in FY 2024-25 and Rs 3 crore in FY 2026, while former trustee Vijay Singh received approximately Rs 1.4 crore.
Additionally, Mistry has challenged the eligibility of Noel Tata to serve as a trustee, alleging that Tata holds Irish citizenship and a UAE Golden Visa while being a tax resident of the United Arab Emirates. Mistry argues the trust is selectively applying residency and citizenship requirements to disqualify him while ignoring the same factors regarding Tata. While Mistry is not seeking reinstatement, he is calling for an examination of governance and the possible appointment of an independent administrator.
