Srinivasan seeks inquiry into Tata Trust governance

Venu Srinivasan has asked Maharashtra’s Charity Commissioner to investigate the governance of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, raising questions about trustee appointments and the trust’s involvement in Tata Sons’ commercial affairs. The request comes amid a dispute over whether Tata Sons should be listed and how its regulatory status might be addressed. Separately, Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata has urged Tata Sons and the Reserve Bank of India to consider a restructuring proposal intended to avoid a listing. In his letter, Srinivasan questioned Noel Tata’s status as a perpetual trustee and the appointment of Noel’s son, Neville Tata. He also asked the Commissioner to examine what he described as his exclusion from trust decision-making and the trusts’ role in Tata Sons matters. The letter seeks an inquiry; the supplied reports do not establish that the Commissioner has opened one or made any finding. Srinivasan says a Sir Dorabji Tata Trust circular dated September 16 sought to prevent him from participating or voting on a proposed Tata Sons listing. He characterized the move as an attempt to constrain his independent judgment.