Mumbai: Tata Trusts has received an extension from the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner until October 19, 2026, to respond to a complaint filed by Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh alleging governance lapses at Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT).
The trust was originally required to submit its response by October 12. The extension gives it additional time to address allegations concerning its administration and its involvement in transactions related to Tata Sons.
Venu Srinivasan seeks inquiry into trust governance
Venu Srinivasan, a trustee of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and a nominee director on the Tata Sons board, had approached the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner towards the end of September, seeking an immediate inquiry into the trust’s administration and governance.
In a letter titled “Illegal and Irregular Appointment of Perpetual Trustee and Serious Governance Lapse”, Srinivasan said his objective was to preserve the institutional integrity and proper administration of SDTT.
He also sought a freeze on changes to the trust’s board while the inquiry was underway.
Complaint raises concerns over decision-making
Srinivasan alleged that Circular Resolution No. 107, circulated by the trust on September 16, was an attempt to prevent him from exercising independent judgement and voting according to his assessment.
He claimed that the resolution was intended to neutralise his position as a trustee because his views differed from those of certain other trustees.
Srinivasan further alleged that the move represented an attempt to concentrate decision-making power within a smaller group of trustees and influence the decisions of Tata Sons rather than allowing its board to independently evaluate available options.
He also referred to his earlier exclusion in November 2025, arguing that the two developments formed part of a continuing effort to suppress differing views within the trust.
These are allegations raised in the complaint and remain subject to examination by the competent authority.
Tata Trusts entities file caveats
Following the complaints, multiple trusts within the Tata Trusts group reportedly filed 84 caveats before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner.
The filings are intended to ensure that the trusts receive an opportunity to be heard before any orders are passed in matters concerning them.
The proceedings come amid governance disputes within the philanthropic group, whose constituent trusts are associated with the ownership of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group.
The filings also name Noel Tata and Neville Tata among those seeking to protect their position in the proceedings.
Response deadline extended to October 19
The Maharashtra Charity Commissioner has now granted Tata Trusts time until October 19 to respond to the complaint filed by Srinivasan and Vijay Singh.
The allegations focus on the administration of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, trustee-related decisions and the trust’s role in matters involving Tata Sons.
The regulator’s next steps will depend on the responses submitted and the subsequent proceedings. The October 19 deadline marks the next stage in the matter, with the governance-related allegations awaiting consideration by the competent authority.