A fresh controversy has emerged within a trust linked to the Tata group, with a dispute over the appointment of trustees now reaching the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner.
Mehli Mistry, a close associate of former Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata, has raised legal objections to the eligibility of two trustees of the Bai Hirabai Jamshedji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution (BHJTNCI). He has filed a complaint questioning the appointments of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh.
What is the ‘Allied Trust’?
Tata Trusts is an umbrella body under which several independent trusts operate. The Bai Hirabai Trust (BHJTNCI), established in 1923, is one such allied trust. It has been working for the welfare of the Parsi community in Navsari, Gujarat, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
Key Points of Contention:
Basis of 1923 Rules:
Mistry has cited Sections 6 and 18 of the original Trust Deed, stating that trustees who do not meet prescribed conditions can be treated as ‘deemed dead’ under the rules.
Eligibility Criteria for Trustees:
According to the trust deed, a trustee must:
Belong to the Parsi Zoroastrian community
Be a permanent resident of Mumbai
Mistry argues that Srinivasan and Singh do not meet these criteria, making their appointments invalid.
Allegations of Breach of Trust:
He has further alleged that holding the position without meeting eligibility conditions amounts to fraud and criminal breach of trust under the Indian Penal Code and the Maharashtra Public Trust Act, 1950. He has demanded that all trustees submit affidavits confirming their eligibility and religious status.
Current Board Composition:
The trust’s board currently includes:
Noel Tata (Chairman)Venu Srinivasan (Vice Chairman – objected to)Vijay Singh (Vice Chairman – objected to)Jimmy N. TataDarius KhambataJehangir H.C. Jehangir
Purpose Behind the Complaint
Mistry clarified that his move is not aimed at regaining any position. He had voluntarily stepped down from his roles in Tata Trusts in November 2025. He said the objective is to safeguard Ratan Tata’s legacy, uphold the founder’s intent and protect the interests of the Parsi community.
What Happens Next?
Mistry has urged the Charity Commissioner to initiate a suo motu inquiry. If accepted, the matter could lead to legal scrutiny of trustee appointments and the applicability of the 1923 trust rules in the present context. There has been no response so far from Venu Srinivasan or Vijay Singh.