Bombay High Court Allows Withdrawal of Writ Petition Against Tata Trusts' Trustee Structure
Tata Trusts case: Bombay High Court allows withdrawal of writ petition challenging trustee structure
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
The Bombay High Court permitted the withdrawal of a writ petition challenging the trustee structure of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) filed by Suresh Tulsiram Patilkhede. The court noted that the petitioner lacked the necessary standing, as he was not the original complainant in the related case before the charity commissioner.
- 01The Bombay High Court allowed the withdrawal of a writ petition against SRTT's trustee structure.
- 02The court found the petitioner lacked locus standi to challenge the trustee composition.
- 03The petition argued that SRTT's board composition violated the Maharashtra Public Trust (Second Amendment) Act, 2025.
- 04SRTT currently has six trustees, with three serving as life trustees, exceeding the statutory limit of 25%.
- 05The upcoming SRTT meeting is set for May 16, focusing on its representation on the board of Tata Sons.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On Wednesday, the Bombay High Court allowed Suresh Tulsiram Patilkhede to withdraw his writ petition challenging the trustee structure of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT). The court, comprising Justice Advait Sethna and Justice Sandesh Dadasaheb Patil, observed that the petitioner did not have the necessary locus standi, as he was not the original complainant in the related case before the charity commissioner. The petition claimed that the current board composition of SRTT violates the Maharashtra Public Trust (Second Amendment) Act, 2025, which limits the number of life trustees to 25% of the total board. Currently, SRTT has six trustees, three of whom are life trustees, exceeding this limit. The petition sought to invalidate decisions made after September 1, 2025, and requested a stay on an upcoming SRTT meeting scheduled for May 16. Senior Advocates Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Janak Dwarkadas represented Tata Trust in court, arguing against the petitioner's standing.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The court's decision allows the Tata Trusts to maintain their current trustee structure, which is crucial for their governance and influence over Tata Group entities. This stability may reassure stakeholders and investors about the continuity of leadership within the Tata Group.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you believe the trustee structure of Tata Trusts should be reformed?
Connecting to poll...
More about Sir Ratan Tata Trust
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.