Tata Trusts Infighting Triggers Govt Meet with Noel Tata; TCS Drops Q2 Press Event

Amid a power tussle deep inside the Tata trusts, Noel Tata and Tata Sons chief N Chandrasekaran were summoned to attend a high-level meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday.

Held at Shah’s residence in New Delhi, the meeting also included Tata Trust vice-chairman Venu Srinivasan and trustee Darius Khambatta, a PTI report said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sithharaman was in attendance, underscoring the Centre’s concern over the escalating governance tussle between the Tata funds and the two Tata sons.

According to CNBC-TV18, the government noted the escalating dispute, given its potential to disrupt operations at Tata Sons, the holding company of the $180 billion Tata group. “The tensions within the TATA funds have implications beyond the corporate boardrooms,” the source reportedly told the channel, adding that the situation warrants close monitoring at the highest levels.

The crises focuses on four trustees – Khambata, Jehangir HC Jehangir, Pramit Jhaveri and Mehli Mistry – who are said to be pushing for greater control over key appointments and oversight of the board at Tata Sons.

This includes approval rights for independent directors and access to sensitive board meeting minutes, a move that some insiders say undermines the holding company’s independence.

“Trustees cannot undermine Noel Tata’s leadership,” CNBC-TV18 said. The rift has reportedly sharpened since Noel succeeded Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Trusts in October 2024.

The issue is expected to dominate the Tata Trusts board meeting scheduled for October 10.

Amid the turmoil, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) – the group’s core jewel – is said to be skipping its usual press conference after releasing second-quarter earnings this week, in what could be an unusual break from tradition.

Business today cannot independently verify the cause.