New Delhi: Putting an end to speculation surrounding his tenure, former trustee Mehli Mistry has officially parted ways with the Tata Trusts, according to sources close to Mistry. His exit follows a recent controversy over the non-approval of his reappointment to the two key entities, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to all trustees, including Chairman Noel Tata, Mistry stated that his decision was driven by a commitment to Ratan N. Tata’s vision, which includes ensuring the Trusts are not “plunged into controversy.” He emphasized that “precipitating matters would cause irreparable harm to the reputation of the Tata Trusts.
“Mistry, whose role as trustee officially ended on October 27 this year, had earlier been proposed for reappointment as a lifetime trustee by a board resolution last year. However, his continuation was blocked after three trustees voted against his reappointment.
Invoking the guiding philosophy of the former Chairman Emeritus, Mistry concluded his letter with a powerful quote:>
“I part ways with a quote that Mr. Ratan N. Tata used to say to me, ‘Nobody is bigger than the institution it serves’.”>
He urged the remaining trustees to ensure their actions are guided by the principles of transparency, good governance, and public interest, following the spirit of Ratan Tata who “always put public interest before his own.”Mistry had recently filed a preemptive caveat with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, seeking a hearing before any modifications to the list of trustees. His formal exit now brings an end to the internal dissent and potential legal challenge, which had highlighted ongoing governance challenges within the philanthropic body. The Tata Trusts own two-thirds of Tata Sons, the holding company of the massive Tata Group.
