Mehli Mistry Resigns from Tata Trusts to Avoid Controversy

Digital Desk

Mehli Mistry, a close associate of Ratan Tata, has resigned from his positions as trustee of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, and the Bai Hirabai J.N. Tata Navsari Charitable Institution Trust. He communicated his decision in a letter dated November 4, citing the need to protect the reputation and legacy of Tata Trusts amid ongoing internal disputes.

Mistry’s resignation follows a recent voting process for his reappointment, in which trustees Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay Singh voted against him. His term had ended on October 28, 2025. In his letter, Mistry emphasized that stepping down would prevent speculative reports from damaging the institutions. “My dedication to Ratan N. Tata’s vision includes ensuring that Tata Trusts is not drawn into any controversy. I believe prolonging the situation could cause irreparable damage to the institution’s reputation,” he wrote, quoting Ratan Tata: “Nobody is bigger than the institution it serves.”

Despite resigning from these key trusts, Mistry will continue his association with the Tata Education and Development Trust (TEDT) and Breach Candy Hospital, which recently received ₹500 crore in CSR funds from the Tata Group.

Tata Trusts, including Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, collectively hold a 66% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, and have the authority to nominate one-third of its board members. The internal disputes escalated after Ratan Tata’s death in October 2024, particularly following the removal of Vijay Singh from Tata Sons’ board and the appointment of Noel Tata as chairman.

Mistry, a promoter of the M Pallonji Group and cousin of the late Cyrus Mistry, had previously conditionally approved Venu Srinivasan’s reinstatement as trustee and vice chairman of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Analysts say his resignation may help resolve ongoing tensions within the Trusts while ensuring continuity in governance.