Mehli Mistry, former Tata Sons trustee, has written to the Tata Sons informing them that he has explained in an affidavit why he voted against the reappointment of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh to the Tata Education and Development Trust (TEDT). Mistry referred to the proceedings when, according to him, the trustees had wrongfully voted against him. The development has come ahead of a crucial May 8 meeting of the Tata Sons, where the board is set to review trustee representation and deliberate on a possible listing as a public company.
As Mistry voted against Venu and Vijay’s reappointment, Tata Trusts CEO Siddharth Sharma, in a communication to trustees, confirmed that the reappointment resolution (of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh) failed due to a lack of unanimity under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950. He stated that Srinivasan’s tenure would formally conclude at the end of the current term and placed on record the board’s appreciation for his services.
Mistry Stands By His Decision
Contesting his own removal from the trusts without seeking reinstatement and alleging maladministration within the Tata Sons, Mehli Mistry stood firmly by his decision, saying that his reasons are detailed in his affidavit filed in response to the change report concerning the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT). Mistry referred to the same proceedings where, according to him, trustees had wrongfully voted against him. He had also alleged that Srinivasan participated in that vote without authority, despite his tenure having ended.
In his response to the Tata Sons, Mistry said, “Dear Siddharth, I do agree and stand by my decision not to renew the reappointment/tenure of both Venu and Vijay on the TEDT Trust.”
Adding further, Mistry said, “While I do shed crocodile tears for having to take such a decision, I was left with no other option. My affidavit in response to the Change report for SDTT explains the reasons why I chose to take such a decision. Can you please also disclose how all the other trustees voted, as I read in the newspapers that other trustees have also voted? Kind regards.”
The development comes before the high-stakes Tata Sons board meeting on May 8, where the ongoing rift among trustees is expected to take centre stage, alongside discussions on board representation and the highly debated prospect of listing the holding company.
What We Know About Tata Sons Row
The row within Tata Trusts began in November last year, when Mistry, after being voted against by the Board of Trustees, despite an October 2024 resolution to renew his trusteeship for a lifetime, harmoniously exited from the trusts, citing his commitment to his late friend and former Tata conglomerate supremo Ratan Tata.
With inputs from ANI
