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Ending days of speculation, Mehli Mistry has officially stepped down as trustee of the Tata Trusts, affirming his commitment to Ratan N Tata’s ideals of integrity, transparency, and service to the public. In a letter addressed to all trustees, including Chairman Noel Tata, Mistry said he wished to avoid any controversy that could damage the Trusts’ reputation.

“My commitment to Mr Ratan N Tata’s vision includes a responsibility to ensure that the Tata Trusts are not plunged into controversy and that precipitating matters would cause irreparable harm to the reputation of the Tata Trusts,” Mistry wrote in his letter.

He added that he hoped future actions of the trustees would be guided by “transparency, good governance, and public interest”. Quoting Ratan Tata, Mistry concluded, “Nobody is bigger than the institution it serves.”

According to information accessed by ANI through sources close to Mistry, his decision came after differences arose over his reappointment. The Board of Trustees had passed a resolution on October 17, 2024, to reinstate Mistry as a lifetime trustee. However, three trustees reportedly opposed his reappointment to the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust - the two main entities that form the core of the Tata philanthropic network.

On October 27, 2025, Mistry’s role as trustee officially came to an end. Prior to that, he had filed a caveat with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner seeking to be heard before any changes were made to the list of trustees.

Mistry’s resignation, described by those close to him as “a harmonious exit”, reflects his decision to preserve the dignity of the institution over personal position. His statement reinforces the philosophy that has long defined Ratan Tata’s leadership - that public trust must always outweigh personal interest.

The Tata Trusts, which together hold a majority stake in Tata Sons, play a central role in driving the group’s philanthropic and developmental initiatives across India. Mistry’s departure marks the end of a long association between the Tata family’s philanthropic arm and one of its most trusted allies.

Ankit Kumar is a Senior Sub Editor at Zee Business. He covers international affairs, politics, climate change, business, finance and global elections. With experience acros