Bringing an end to speculation surrounding his trusteeship, Mehli Mistry has formally parted ways with the Tata Trusts, according to sources close to the development.
In a letter addressed to all trustees, including Chairman Noel Tata, Mistry said his decision was guided by a commitment to uphold Ratan N Tata’s vision and to prevent controversy that could damage the institution’s reputation.
“Therefore, 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. I part ways with a quote that Mr. Ratan N. Tata used to say to me, ‘Nobody is bigger than the institution it serves’,” Mistry wrote.
Mistry’s tenure as trustee came to an end on October 27 this year. Earlier, a resolution passed by the Board of Trustees on October 17 last year had proposed his reappointment as a lifetime trustee.
However, the reappointment did not receive unanimous approval. Three trustees declined to back his continuation across two key trusts — the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust — effectively blocking the move.
Amid the uncertainty, Mistry had also filed a preemptive caveat with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, seeking an opportunity to be heard before any changes were made to the list of trustees.
With his formal exit now confirmed, Mistry has brought closure to months of speculation around his role within the Tata Trusts.
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