Mehli Mistry Steps Down from Tata Trusts: "Nobody Bigger Than Institution" Quote Honors Ratan Tata's Legacy

Businessman Mehli Mistry, a trustee of Tata Trusts whose term was not renewed last week, has officially announced he is "parting ways" with Tata Trusts, addressing what he called "speculative news" about his role.

Tata Trusts, which owns 66% of Tata Sons, oversees 30 companies within one of India's most prestigious business conglomerates, including major firms such as Air India, Tata Steel, and Jaguar Land Rover.

"I have been made aware of the recent reportage surrounding my trusteeship in the Tata Trusts. I believe this letter should assist in putting the quietus on speculative news reports that do not serve the interest of the Tata Trusts and are inimical to its vision," Mehli Mistry stated in a letter addressed to the trustees.

This announcement follows reports that Mehli Mistry intended to challenge the Tata Trusts' decision not to extend his trusteeship before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner.

Mistry, a senior executive at M Pallonji Group with business interests in logistics and shipping, served as one of the trustees on the executive committee of Tata Trusts, an organization known for its charitable work in healthcare, education, and rural support programs.

In his statement, Mehli Mistry emphasized that it was his "privilege to serve as a Trustee till October 28, 2025," describing it as an "honour bestowed upon me" by Ratan Tata.

"In discharging my duties towards the Tata Trusts, I have been guided by his vision of ethical governance, quiet philanthropy and utmost integrity," he said.

Mistry expressed that his commitment to Ratan Tata's vision includes ensuring the Tata Trusts are "not plunged into controversy" and avoiding actions that would harm the organization's reputation.

"I believe that precipitating matter would cause irreparable harm to the reputation of the Tata Trusts. 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," he stated.

Concluding his letter, he wrote: "I part ways with a quote that Mr Ratan N Tata used to say to me 'Nobody is bigger than the institution it serves'."

Sources have indicated that at Tata Trusts, two factions have been in disagreement over various issues - one led by its chair, Noel Tata, and the other by Mistry. This internal conflict became public in September when the trust voted against a person from Noel's camp being reappointed to the Tata Sons board.

According to sources, a majority of board members at Tata Trusts decided to vote against Mehli Mistry's reappointment.

Mehli Mistry is a cousin of the late Cyrus Mistry, a former Tata Sons chairman who passed away in 2022. Their family firm Shapoorji Pallonji maintains an 18% stake in Tata Sons.