'Nobody is bigger than the institution': Mehli Mistry exits Tata Trusts; urges transparency and good governance in farewell note

Mehli Mistry has formally stepped down as trustee of the Tata Trusts , ending days of speculation over his position within the organisation. In a letter to all trustees, including chairman Noel Tata, Mistry cited his commitment to Ratan N Tata’s vision as the reason for his decision to withdraw, ANI reported.

In his note, Mistry said his loyalty to Ratan Tata ’s ideals came with a responsibility to prevent the Tata Trusts from being drawn into controversy. He added that any escalation of internal matters could cause “irreparable harm” to the reputation of the trusts.

Mehli K Mistry writes a letter to all Trustees of the Tata Trusts, including Chairman Noel Tata

"... I have been made aware of the recent reportage surrounding my trusteeship in the Tata Trusts, upon my return to Mumbai last night. I believe that this letter should assist in… pic.twitter.com/c2Csz8wzvn

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025

“Therefore, in the spirit of Mr Ratan N Tata, who always put public interest before his own, I hope that the actions of the other trustees going forward will be guided by the principles of transparency, good governance, and public interest,” he wrote. Mistry closed the letter with a quote from Ratan Tata: “Nobody is bigger than the institution it serves.”

Mistry’s role as trustee officially ended on October 27 this year. A resolution passed by the Board of Trustees on October 17 last year had proposed his reappointment as a lifetime trustee, but the move was not approved after three trustees opposed it.

He had earlier filed a caveat with the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, seeking a hearing before any change was made to the list of trustees.

With this letter, Mistry has made his exit official, closing the chapter on his association with the Tata Trusts.