Tata Trusts Challenge Former Trustee Mehli Mistry’s Standing to Raise Governance Complaints

The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution have lodged objections to Mehli Mistry’s attempt to flag governance issues, contending his term as trustee concluded in October last year. In affidavits submitted to the Charity Commissioner’s office, both trusts maintain that his three-year appointment ended, preventing him from leveraging his former position to challenge their administration.

Mistry’s complaint cites alleged governance lapses, conflicts of interest and decision-making flaws. The trusts further emphasize that the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Bai Hirabai operate as distinct entities with separate instruments and accounts, and therefore a unified proceeding should be denied. Bai Hirabai also disputes Mistry’s reading of its Trust Deed clauses on religious and residency eligibility, arguing they conflict with the original will.

The charity commissioner must first decide whether the objections are maintainable and within its jurisdiction before examining the merits. Additionally, Bai Hirabai has moved to replace its reporting trustee with Noel Tata, while the Sir Ratan Tata Trust highlighted difficulties arising from a May 15 order that bars it from holding meetings.