A Quiet Feud Turns Public
In a move that has sent ripples through India’s most influential corporate foundation, Mehli Mistry, long considered one of Ratan Tata’s closest confidants, has been voted off the board of Tata Trusts. His removal marks a decisive moment in the ongoing internal reshuffle of the trusts that control the ₹25 lakh crore Tata Group. The vote—led by Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay Singh—has brought into the open a simmering leadership struggle that had, until now, played out behind closed doors.
The Vote: End of Consensus Rule
Traditionally, the Tata Trusts—which hold a 51% stake in Tata Sons—operate through consensus. Board renewals, especially those concerning long-serving trustees, have been routine and unanimous. But this time, that unwritten rule fractured.
Mistry’s three-year term, set to end on October 28, was not renewed after a split vote. Noel Tata, Srinivasan, and Singh opposed his continuation, while Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambata, and Jehangir H.C. Jehangir backed him. Ironically, only days earlier, Mistry had supported Srinivasan’s own appointment as a lifetime trustee—a gesture that now appears to have gone unrewarded.
The decision is being viewed as a turning point in governance style within the Trusts—one that replaces Ratan Tata’s era of collective agreement with a more assertive, majority-driven leadership model.
The Rise and Fall of Ratan Tata’s Trusted Strategist
To understand the magnitude of this development, one must look at who Mehli Mistry is. Not related to the Shapoorji Pallonji Mistrys (the family of ex-chairman Cyrus Mistry), Mehli Mistry rose as a discreet but powerful figure in Ratan Tata’s inner circle. He was instrumental in coordinating philanthropic projects, steering governance reforms, and serving as a key voice on the Executive Committee of Tata Trusts.
Over the years, his opinion carried unusual weight in strategic and personnel decisions, often aligning closely with Ratan Tata’s vision. But tensions reportedly grew after Mistry and his allies opposed the re-entry of Vijay Singh onto Tata Sons’ board earlier this year—a move that deepened existing divides. That moment, insiders say, set the stage for his eventual ouster.
Noel Tata’s Assertion of Control
Observers view Mehli Mistry’s removal as part of Noel Tata’s consolidation of authority as chairman. With support from Srinivasan and Singh, Noel appears to be shaping a post-Ratan Tata structure—leaner, decisive, and less dependent on legacy loyalties. The strategy, while strengthening his leadership, also risks alienating sections of the old guard who see the Trusts’ unity as central to their credibility and stability.
Given the Trusts’ control over the Tata Group’s philanthropic and corporate direction, this shift could redefine governance philosophy across India’s boardrooms—tilting from consensus to command.
Legal and Institutional Repercussions
Mistry is reportedly preparing to challenge the decision legally, citing a resolution that allows lifetime reappointment unless explicitly rejected by all trustees. The absence of unanimity, therefore, could form the basis of his argument.
If contested, the case may expose the internal fault lines within an institution long revered for its discretion and integrity. For India Inc. and the government—both of which regard Tata Trusts as a pillar of stability—any public dispute could have implications for corporate governance norms and philanthropic oversight nationwide.
The End of an Era, or a New Beginning?
Mehli Mistry’s exit is more than a personnel change—it marks the passing of Ratan Tata’s shadow era and the rise of a new order under Noel Tata. The move may bring efficiency and clearer hierarchy, but it also raises questions about continuity, trust, and balance within India’s most respected corporate house.
Whether this transition ushers in renewed focus or prolonged turbulence will define not just the future of Tata Trusts, but also the evolving ethos of Indian boardroom leadership.
(With agency inputs)
