Srinivasan seeks probe into Tata Trust, Noel Tata files caveat

Venu Srinivasan, a trustee of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and a nominee director on the Tata Sons board, has approached Maharashtra's Charity Commissioner seeking an inquiry into the trust's governance, questioning the appointment of Noel Tata as a perpetual trustee and the appointment of Noel Tata's son Neville Tata. Srinivasan also alleged that a circular resolution on 16 September sought to prevent him from exercising independent judgment on the proposed listing of Tata Sons, calling it an attempt to concentrate decision-making within a smaller group of trustees.

Noel Tata has filed a caveat with the Charity Commissioner, asking to be heard before any order is passed on Srinivasan's complaint, according to The Hindu Business Line. NDTV Profit separately reported that Tata Trusts has moved caveats before the Charity Commissioner. The escalation follows a 17 September Tata Sons board meeting where Srinivasan supported Chairman N Chandrasekaran's reappointment for a third term and the listing, while Noel Tata opposed both. The Economic Times reports that about 10 Tata operating companies collectively owning 12.86% of Tata Sons face a difficult choice on voting for Chandrasekaran's reappointment at the upcoming AGM, with some considering abstention.

The boardroom battle also involves legal representation, with Tata Trusts retaining Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Tata Sons advised by Harish Salve, according to LiveMint. Business Today reports a 2025 opinion by Justice Nariman that nominee directors cannot be bound by trust directions. The Hindu notes that the Charity Commissioner's restrictions on Sir Ratan Tata Trust have already prevented the August 18 AGM from being held due to lack of quorum.

Update, 1 October 2026: The Hindu reports Srinivasan sought the inquiry to 'preserve the institutional integrity' of SDTT, warning its commercial involvement could risk its charitable status. The Hindu Business Line adds that Noel Tata filed a separate caveat on 30 September, asking the Charity Commissioner to hear him before passing any order. Both sources confirm the August 18 AGM was adjourned due to earlier restrictions on SRTT.