RATAN Tata’s close confidante, Mehli Mistry, onThursday challenged his removal as trustee of the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsaji Charitable Institution and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) on October 23 last year. He countered assertions by two key Tata trusts that questioned his legal standing to scrutinise their governance. Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) on October 15 questioned Mistry’s locus standi to challenge governance practices and conflicts of interest. In three rejoinders filed beforethe Charity Commissioner, Mistry reiterated his objections to the trusts, saying they were raised in the interest of transparency and accountability.

 

During a hearing, the Charity Commissioner asked the Tata Trusts to submit their replies to the rejoinders by December 3. Mistry also contested the cessation of trusteeship, claiming that the original deed contains no provision capping a trustee’s tenure at three years,and questioned why Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata received a benefit that was denied to him. Challenging the validity of the circular on cessation of his trusteeship dated October 23, 2025, Mistry said Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan andVijay Singh did not approve the resolution, while Jimmy N. Tata did not respond.