Noel Tata, Neville File Caveat in Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Dispute

The leadership and governance dispute between Tata Trusts and Tata Sons has intensified, with Noel Tata and his son Neville Tata reportedly filing a caveat petition in the Mumbai City Civil Court concerning trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT). According to media reports, the petition names trustees Venu Srinivasan, Vijay Singh, Darius Khambata and Bhaskar Bhat. The move comes amid growing tensions within the Tata Group, including discussions surrounding the possible extension of Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran’s tenure. A caveat petition is generally filed to ensure that a court does not pass certain orders without first giving the petitioner an opportunity to be heard.

The dispute follows a complaint reportedly filed by trustee and industrialist Venu Srinivasan with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner over Noel Tata’s role as chairman and permanent trustee. Srinivasan is said to have sought restrictions on Noel’s participation and voting in certain SDTT decisions concerning Tata Sons’ nominees and representatives. The complaint reportedly raises questions about the trusts’ involvement in commercial matters and discussions concerning the Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s equity liquidity. Noel is expected to respond to the complaint by October 19, according to the report. Tata Trusts collectively hold a 66% stake in Tata Sons, making their governance decisions significant for the wider Tata Group.