Businessman Mehli Mistry has officially stepped down as a trustee of the Tata Trusts, ending days of speculation surrounding his position within one of India’s most influential philanthropic organisations.
According to reports by ANI, Mistry communicated his decision through a letter addressed to all trustees, including chairman Noel Tata, expressing that his move was guided by his long-standing commitment to Ratan N Tata’s vision and values.
Cites responsibility to uphold Tata legacy
In his letter, Mistry stated that his loyalty to Ratan Tata’s ideals carried with it a responsibility to protect the Trusts from controversy and to ensure that internal disagreements do not harm the institution’s public standing.
“My loyalty to Ratan Tata’s ideals comes with a responsibility to prevent the Tata Trusts from being drawn into controversy,” he wrote. “Any escalation of internal matters could cause irreparable harm to the reputation of the Trusts.”
Mistry emphasised that his decision to step down was in the spirit of transparency and good governance, echoing Ratan Tata’s philosophy of always prioritising public interest over personal concerns.
“In the spirit of Mr Ratan N Tata, who always put public interest before his own, I hope that the actions of the other trustees going forward will be guided by the principles of transparency, good governance, and public interest,” Mistry added.
He concluded his note with a quote from Ratan Tata himself:
“Nobody is bigger than the institution it serves.”
Reappointment not approved
Mistry’s role as trustee officially ended on October 27, 2025. A year earlier, on October 17, 2024, the Board of Trustees had passed a resolution proposing his reappointment as a lifetime trustee. However, the proposal was not approved after three trustees opposed the move.
Following this, Mistry filed a caveat with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, seeking a hearing before any modification could be made to the Trusts’ list of trustees. With his latest letter, Mistry has now made his exit official, bringing an end to his association with the Tata Trusts.
Part of Tata Trusts’ legacy
The Tata Trusts, which collectively hold a 66% stake in Tata Sons, play a pivotal role in guiding the philanthropic and strategic direction of the Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate. The Trusts are renowned for their charitable work in healthcare, education, and rural development.
Mistry’s association with the Trusts was considered symbolic of the deep personal and professional bonds that have long defined the Tata Group’s inner circle. His decision to step down marks another significant change in the Trusts’ leadership structure, which has been under increasing scrutiny following recent governance reforms and discussions on succession.