Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 3: Industrialist Mehli Mistry has filed a caveat petition before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, signalling his readiness for a legal battle over his removal as trustee of Tata Trusts. The petition seeks assurance that no order be passed against him without a fair hearing.

According to sources, copies of the caveat were served to all trustees of Tata Trusts, including Chairman Noel Tata, on Friday. The move highlights Mistry’s intent to contest what he terms “an unjust and procedurally flawed decision” regarding his continuation on the Trusts’ board, which holds a 66 per cent stake in Tata Sons — the holding company of the Tata Group.

The caveat comes after a key meeting on October 28, where trustees Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and former Defence Secretary Vijay Singh voted against Mistry’s reappointment, effectively ending his tenure. The Charity Commissioner’s approval is necessary before any change in the Trusts’ composition, as they are governed by the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act. Mistry’s filing ensures that he must be heard before any final step is taken.

Legal experts said the caveat gives Mistry the right to challenge both the process and reasons for his removal, setting the stage for a possible legal tussle that could once again draw attention to issues of governance and transparency within Tata Trusts.

Mistry, a long-time associate of Ratan Tata and cousin of former Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry, is seen as part of the old guard within the Trusts. His exit is being viewed as a consolidation of power by Noel Tata, who succeeded Ratan Tata as Chairman earlier this year.

Last week, the Trusts reappointed industrialist Venu Srinivasan as a lifetime trustee with the backing of Mistry and other members. However, they had insisted that all future reappointments be unanimous — a condition ignored by Noel Tata and his supporters.

While both camps have avoided public comment, Mistry’s caveat indicates that he is not stepping away quietly, and another high-profile legal confrontation may soon unfold within one of India’s most influential philanthropic institutions.