Maharashtra Charity Commissioner Seeks Tata Trusts Response On Venu Srinivasan Governance Complaint

The Maharashtra Charity Commissioner has directed Tata Trusts to submit a response by October 12 to a governance complaint filed by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) trustee Venu Srinivasan. The complaint, submitted on September 24, raises concerns about trustee appointments, decision-making processes, and SDTT's involvement in Tata Sons affairs.

Srinivasan, also a nominee director on the Tata Sons board, has questioned the appointment and status of Noel Tata as perpetual trustee and chair of Tata Trusts. He also challenged the appointment of Noel Tata's son Neville as an SDTT trustee and an SDTT circular that restricted his participation in voting on Tata Sons' proposed listing. Srinivasan claims he was excluded from decision-making processes.

Tata Trusts filed caveats on September 30 seeking an opportunity to present its position before any order is issued. Srinivasan has sought a freeze on changes to SDTT's board composition and restrictions on certain decisions involving Tata Trusts and Tata Sons pending inquiry.