Tata Trusts has challenged the legal standing of Mehli Mistry, a former trustee, to contest changes in the composition of Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) and Sir Dorabjee Tata Trust (SDTT). The dispute was heard before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner on Thursday, with Tata Trusts arguing that Mistry cannot raise objections after his three-year tenure expired on October 28, 2025, according to livemint.com.
The trust’s lawyers contended that only a serving trustee or a beneficiary can object to a trust’s change report, and since Mistry’s term ended, he no longer qualifies to raise such objections. The reappointment of Mistry did not proceed due to the requirement of unanimity among trustees, which was not achieved. Tata Trusts maintained that the expiry of Mistry’s tenure was a fixed term ending, not a removal, and the change report filed was a statutory document reflecting the trust’s updated composition, per livemint.com.
This legal challenge highlights governance issues within major philanthropic institutions in India. The Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabjee Tata Trust are significant players in the country’s charitable sector, and disputes over trustee appointments can impact their administration and public perception. The case also underscores the importance of clarity in trust governance and statutory compliance under the public trust framework, as noted by livemint.com.
Mistry’s side has sought time to respond to the submissions made by Tata Trusts. The Maharashtra Charity Commissioner’s decision on this matter will be closely watched, as it will clarify the legal rights of former trustees to challenge changes in trust administration, according to livemint.com.