Mehli Mistry steps down a trustee of Tata Trusts citing ‘controversy’: ‘No one larger than establishment’


Mistry’s time period as trustee formally concluded on October 27 this 12 months. The Board of Trustees had earlier handed a decision on October 17 final 12 months to reappoint him as a lifetime trustee. Nevertheless, the proposal didn’t proceed after the board withheld its approval.

Mumbai:

Mehli Mistry on Tuesday introduced that he’s stepping down as a Trustee of three main Tata Trusts, specifically the Sir Ratan Tata Belief, the Sir Dorabji Tata Belief, and the Bai Hirabai J N Tata Navsari Charitable Establishment Belief. The choice was conveyed in a letter addressed to the trustees of Tata Trusts.

In his letter dated November 4 2025, Mistry wrote that it had been his privilege to function a Trustee, a possibility he mentioned got here by way of the private endorsement of the late Ratan N Tata, whom he described as his dearest buddy and mentor.

He famous that he grew to become conscious of current studies regarding his trusteeship upon his return to Mumbai, and mentioned that his letter ought to assist carry an finish to hypothesis which he believes doesn’t serve the pursuits of the Tata Trusts and is opposite to its imaginative and prescient.

Mistry reaffirmed his dedication to the values upheld by Ratan Tata. He acknowledged that in finishing up his obligations, he was guided by the ideas of moral governance, quiet philanthropy, and integrity.

He confirmed that he served as Trustee as much as October 28 2025 and mentioned his choice to step apart was pushed by the necessity to stop controversy that would probably have an effect on the fame of the philanthropic organisation. He wrote that his loyalty to Ratan Tata’s imaginative and prescient included an obligation to make sure that the Tata Trusts didn’t develop into embroiled in public dispute.

He added that precipitating the matter might trigger lasting injury to the standing of the Tata Trusts. Within the spirit of Ratan Tata’s emphasis on public curiosity, he expressed hope that the trustees will proceed to behave with transparency, good governance, and consideration for the broader public.

Mistry concluded the letter saying, “I half methods”, and quoted Ratan Tata to underline that “no person is larger than the establishment it serves.”

The Mehli Mistry controversy

Mistry’s time period as trustee formally concluded on October 27 this 12 months. The Board of Trustees had earlier handed a decision on October 17 final 12 months to reappoint him as a lifetime trustee. Nevertheless, the proposal didn’t proceed after the board withheld its approval for his reappointment to the 2 principal trusts, the Sir Dorabji Tata Belief and the Sir Ratan Tata Belief.

Previous to this choice, Mistry had filed a preemptive caveat with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, requesting that he be given a listening to earlier than any modifications have been made to the record of trustees.

Additionally Learn: Rift deepens at Tata Trusts as Noel Tata, two others block Mehli Mistry’s reappointment as trustee