Mehli Mistry, a close associate of Ratan Tata, is facing a potential exit from the Tata Trusts as his three-year term is set to end on October 28. Reports indicate that a majority of the trustees, including Chairman Noel Tata, Vice Chairman Venu Srinivasan, and trustee Vijay Singh, have voted against his reappointment. This decision highlights ongoing internal conflicts within the Tata Trusts regarding governance and board nominations.

Mistry has been a trustee since 2022 and is known for his strong support of Ratan Tata, especially during the contentious period following the departure of former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry, who is also his cousin. The Tata Trusts oversee several charitable entities, including the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which collectively hold a significant 66 percent stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group.

The upcoming decision on Mistry's reappointment has created a divide among the trustees. While Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay Singh oppose Mistry's continuation, a faction supporting him includes trustees Darius Khambata and Pramit Jhaveri. Mistry's inability to vote on his own reappointment means the outcome will reflect the majority's stance.

The internal rift has intensified following a recent proposal that all future trustee renewals must be unanimously approved. This condition was ignored by the opposing faction, leading to further discord. Mistry's potential exit marks a significant shift in the leadership dynamics of the Tata Trusts, which have traditionally operated on consensus under Ratan Tata's guidance.

As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain whether Mistry will seek legal recourse or withdraw his earlier support for Venu Srinivasan's lifetime trustee status. The ongoing tensions within the Tata Trusts reflect a broader struggle over the legacy and governance of one of India's most respected corporate institutions.