Tata Trusts on Sunday said the trustees of the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution have decided to approach the appropriate authority to amend restrictive clauses in the trust deed, including provisions that bar non-Zoroastrians from serving as trustees.
The decision follows a complaint by former trustee Mehli Mistry to the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, in which he challenged the appointments of industrialist Venu Srinivasan and former defense secretary Vijay Singh.
According to Mistry, neither appointee met the qualification requirements set out in the trust deed, including the requirement to practice the Parsi Zoroastrian religion and to reside in Mumbai.
The discussion at the board meeting held on April 17, 2026, under the chairmanship of Noel N Tata, was about the operation of the trust and the crisis caused by press coverage. According to the statement made at the board meeting, some clauses in the 1923 trust deed caused anomalies that did not conform to the values established by the Tata Trusts. It is significant to observe that inclusivity, secularism, and social service have been the core values of this organization.
It should be stated that in 2000, non-Zoroastrians were selected as trustees of the trust based on legal recommendations. Therefore, trustees resolved to file legal proceedings to remove these anomalous clauses. It is noteworthy that, since 2000, non-Zoroastrians have been appointed as trustees of the trust based on legal advice. Also, the Bai Hirabai Trust is insignificant in terms of wealth and operations.
The Tata Trusts made it clear that the codicil of 1916 to the will of Ratanji Tata did not have any restrictions based on religion or nationality; however, such restrictions were introduced by trustees in 1923. However, people close to Mistry argued that the very move to amend these clauses indicates their continued validity under the current deed.
They maintained that appointing non-Zoroastrians remains legally questionable until formal approval for amendments is granted. The issue has also drawn attention to recent developments, including Srinivasan’s resignation, reportedly at the request of Tata Trusts management. The outcome now depends on the charity commissioner’s decision, who will determine whether such long-standing provisions can be altered.