Suryaa National Desk: The Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) has filed a petition requesting an adjournment in the ongoing inquiry before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner concerning disputes within the Tata Trusts governing board. Lawyers representing SRTT argued that previous orders issued by the Charity Commissioner have restricted the current board of trustees from making independent decisions.
According to SRTT, the specific guidelines and restrictions previously imposed by the Charity Commissioner regarding trustee appointments and internal governance remain in effect. The trust stated that it cannot take further action or finalize decisions on current objections while these regulations are in place, arguing that the inquiry cannot proceed until the legality of these rules is determined.
The dispute follows the appointment of Noel Tata as chairman of Tata Trusts after the death of Ratan Tata. Industrialist Mehli Mistry has raised objections regarding the expiration of terms for several senior trustees and has alleged that decisions were made unilaterally in violation of regulations. Mistry has also raised concerns regarding a conflict of interest concerning Noel Tata’s responsibilities and has approached both the Charity Commissioner and the courts.
The Mehli Mistry camp has opposed the adjournment request filed by SRTT, alleging that the trust is using previous orders as a pretext to delay the proceedings. Mistry’s side has demanded an immediate and comprehensive review of the decisions made by the trust board.
This legal dispute involves the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which hold major stakes in Tata Sons. The next steps in the inquiry depend on the decision of the Charity Commissioner regarding the adjournment request.