'Nobody bigger than institution': Mehli Mistry's parting note cites Ratan Tata

Mehli Mistry, whose term in Tata Trusts has not been renewed, says in a letter to the trustees that precipitating the matter will cause irreparable harm to the reputation of the trust

Putting to rest days of speculation, Mehli K Mistry has formally stepped down as trustee of the Tata Trusts.

Mehli Mistry, whose term was not renewed last week, on Tuesday made his exit official by saying he is "parting ways" with Tata Trusts.

"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 said in a letter addressed to the trustees.

Mehli Mistry, a senior executive at M Pallonji Group which has business interests in logistics and shipping, was one of the trustees on the executive committee of Tata Trusts, whose charity work includes healthcare, education and rural support.

Tata Trusts own 66% in Tata Sons, which in turn oversees 30 companies, including Air India and Tata Steel.

Mehli Mistry said it was his "privilege to serve as a Trustee till October 28, 2025". He said it was 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.

He said his commitment to Ratan Tata's vision includes a responsibility to ensure that the Tata Trusts are "not plunged into controversy".

"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 said.

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

The infighting in Tata Trusts, led by Noel Tata, came out in the open in September when the trust voted against a person from Noel's camp being reappointed to the Tata Sons board.

Later, a majority of board members at Tata Trusts decided to vote against Mehli Mistry's reappointment to the trust. Following this, Mehli Mistry filed a caveat before the charity commissioner in Mumbai, requesting an opportunity to be heard before any decision on a change in the trust is sanctioned.

Mehli Mistry is a cousin of Cyrus Mistry, the former chairman of Tata Sons who died in 2022.