Copyright timesnownews
As Tata Trusts convenes today, October 28, the spotlight is on whether Mehli Mistry will secure reappointment as trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), the two entities that together hold a 51% stake in Tata Sons. His current term ends today, and internal divisions have turned what is typically a routine renewal into a high-stakes decision. According to an ETNow report citing sources, said that Mistry may not get another term as a lack of unanimity is likely to derail the proposal. The Trusts had earlier considered granting him lifetime trusteeship, further raising the stakes of the outcome. Trustees Divided The board is sharply split. Chairperson Noel Tata, along with trustees Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh, is opposed to Mistry’s continuation. On the other hand, trustees Darius Khambata, Pramit Jhaveri and Jehangir HC Jehangir are supporting his reappointment. The resolution for his renewal was reportedly moved by Tata Trusts CEO Siddharth Sharma. Srinivasan’s own renewal was cleared unanimously, highlighting how Mistry’s case has become a flashpoint. A section of trustees, including Mistry, reportedly granted conditional approval for Srinivasan’s extension. They have insisted that all future trustee renewals must be unanimous, warning that without consensus, their support will be withdrawn. Who Is Mehli Mistry? Mehli Mistry is a long-time confidant of the late Ratan Tata and an influential figure within Tata Trusts. He joined the SDTT and SRTT boards in 2022 and is also a trustee of the Tata Education and Development Trust. He is a first cousin of the late Cyrus Mistry, the former Tata Sons chairman, though the two were estranged in later years. Outside the Trusts, he serves as director of the Meherji Pallonji (M Pallonji) Group, which has interests in industrial coatings, dredging, shipping, logistics, finance, pharmaceuticals and automobile dealerships. In the last three years, Mistry has reportedly emerged as a leading voice pushing for governance reforms and greater transparency in Tata Sons. He also played a key role in internal disagreements over board appointments in 2025 — a rare public display of differing views within the Trusts. What’s at Stake The outcome of today’s vote extends beyond a single trusteeship. It is expected to signal: How power is shifting among trusteesWhether unanimity remains a norm in governance decisionsThe future role of Mistry in the Trusts’ oversight of Tata Sons A decision against reappointment could weaken his influence considerably, while approval, especially if linked to lifetime tenure, would cement his position in the Trusts’ future direction.
