Noel Tata replaces Vijay Singh as Bai Hirabai Trust trustee

Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Charitable Institution has filed a substitution application with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner seeking to replace Vijay Singh with Noel Tata as its reporting trustee, multiple sources reported on 15 October. Singh's term as trustee expired on 14 August. The development is part of a wider governance dispute within Tata Trusts that has seen several complaints and counter-filings before the commissioner.

Separately, Tata Trusts has argued that former trustee Mehli Mistry lacks the legal standing to challenge trustee changes after his three-year term ended in October 2025. Mistry has raised objections alleging governance lapses, including fees paid to trustees by Tata Group companies and conflicts of interest. The trusts have called his objections extraneous and not maintainable.

The Sir Ratan Tata Trust has told the commissioner that a 15 May order barring it from holding meetings prevents it from responding to Mistry's complaint. Mistry's lawyers have opposed the trust's position, calling it a deliberate delay. The next hearing is scheduled for 5 November, when Mistry is due to file his rejoinder.