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Tata Trusts to Change Restrictive Trust Rules
19 Apr
Summary
- Tata Trusts will seek changes to restrictive clauses in Bai Hirabai Trust.
- Provisions barring non-Zoroastrians from trusteeship are under review.
- A former trustee's complaint prompted the review of eligibility criteria.
The Bai Hirabai Trust, a part of Tata Trusts, is initiating proceedings to modify certain restrictive clauses within its trust deed. These changes are aimed at removing provisions that prevent individuals who are not Parsi Zoroastrian from serving as trustees, along with other eligibility requirements for appointments.
This action was prompted by a recent complaint filed by Mehli Mistry, a former trustee, who challenged the board appointments of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh. Mistry cited their alleged failure to meet the trust deed's stipulations regarding faith and Mumbai residency.
In response, Tata Trusts stated that the Board of Trustees of the Bai Hirabai Trust convened on April 17, 2026, and resolved to seek alterations to these restrictive clauses. The trustees emphasized that Tata Trusts has historically championed inclusive and secular philanthropy.
While the 1923 trust deed contained such restrictions, the original 1916 Codicil by Sir Ratan Tata did not impose these limitations. Furthermore, non-Zoroastrians have been appointed to the trust since 2000, following legal advice. The trust’s beneficiaries were expanded to include the general public in 2015.
