Mehli Mistry whose reappointment to the Tata Trusts boards was recently rejected by most members has filed a caveat with the Charity Commissioner in Mumbai. Through this he has asked to be heard before any final decision is made about changes to the Trusts. Mistry who is also the executor of Ratan Tata’s will has sent copies of the caveat to all trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Navsari Charitable Institution. This includes chairman Noel Tata who is married to Aloo Tata Ratan Tata’s first cousin. As per the rules the Trusts must report any board changes to the Charity Commissioner within 90 days. The new board setup becomes official only after the Commissioner’s approval. Once approved the Trusts can update the signatories on their bank accounts official documents and other records. The Charity Commissioner’s office is the first legal authority that handles disputes or concerns related to public charitable trusts. Senior Supreme Court lawyer H.P. Ranina explained that a caveat is filed to protect a person’s rights. It ensures that the person - in this case Mehli Mistry - is informed about any proceedings and gets a chance to present his side before the Charity Commissioner makes a decision. In simple terms the caveat is a formal request not to approve any changes in the board of trustees without first hearing Mistry’s views. The Tata Trusts will also get an opportunity to present their arguments before the Charity Commissioner. At Tata Trusts reappointing a trustee requires unanimous approval from all trustees. Mistry who was appointed to the boards by Ratan Tata in October 2022 for a three-year term saw his tenure end on October 28 2025. A few days earlier on October 23 a circular was shared among the trustees to seek consent for his reappointment as a permanent trustee. However chairman Noel Tata and vice chairmen Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh opposed his continuation. Meanwhile three trustees: Pramit Jhaveri Darius Khambata and Jehangir Jehangir  supported his reappointment. Ratan Tata’s brother Jimmy Tata did not take part in the decision. Since the reappointment was not unanimous Mistry’s position as trustee was not renewed