Mehli Mistry Challenges Trustees At Sir Dorabji Tata Trust; Flags Governance Issues

Mehli Mistry has formally challenged the trusteeship of several individuals, including Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh, in the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT), which holds a significant stake in Tata Sons. His objection, submitted to the Maharashtra Charitable Commissioner, alleges serious governance lapses and irregularities within the Trust.

Mistry has claimed that certain trustees, particularly Vijay Singh, received substantial financial benefits in the form of commissions and remuneration from various Tata Group entities during their tenure as nominee directors.

According to the filing, Singh reportedly earned approximately ₹15.89 crore between the financial years 2013–14 and 2024–25, with remuneration increasing significantly in recent years.

The objection also alleges that Singh received additional payments from companies such as Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd, raising concerns over conflicts of interest and breach of fiduciary duties.

Mistry further accuses Venu Srinivasan of misusing his position by allegedly engaging Tata employees for personal work and making decisions that conflict with his responsibilities as a trustee and nominee director. These actions, he argues, undermine the principles of transparency and accountability expected in charitable trusts.

Mistry has reiterated that his intention is not to seek reinstatement but to expose alleged mismanagement. He claims that the Board did not renew his term as trustee after he raised concerns about these practices.

According to him, this decision reflects mala fide intent on the part of certain trustees.

The objection also questions the legality of trustee reappointments under a resolution passed on 17 October 2024, which allowed indefinite extensions.

Mistry argues that subsequent amendments to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act restrict such perpetual tenures and render certain reappointments invalid. He has further alleged that decisions taken by an improperly constituted board, including the rejection of his reappointment, are legally untenable.

Procedural Violations Highlighted

The participation of a trustee who had ceased to hold office in key decisions has also been flagged as a serious procedural violation.

Highlighting what he describes as a pattern of maladministration, Mistry has urged the authorities to appoint an independent administrator to oversee the Trust’s operations. He maintains that this step is essential to restore lawful governance and protect the integrity of one of India’s most prominent charitable institutions.

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