Darius Khambata Rejects ‘Coup’ Claims, Backs Noel Tata’s Leadership Amid Tata Trusts Row

Tata Trusts Row Takes New Turn as Darius Khambata Rejects ‘Coup’ Narrative and Backs Noel Tata’s Leadership

The ongoing Tata Trusts row has taken a decisive turn with senior advocate Darius J Khambata strongly refuting allegations that the contentious September 11, 2025, meeting was part of a “coup” or power grab within the philanthropic bodies that control the Tata Group. In a confidential letter dated November 10, 2025—reviewed by Moneycontrol—Khambata expresses deep distress over what he calls a “spin-doctored media narrative,” dismissing the insinuation as “absurd” and asserting that the discussions were part of a routine governance review.

Khambata, who serves on the boards of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, wrote the letter to key trustees including chairman Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, Vijay Singh, Pramit Jhaveri, and Jehangir HC Jehangir. The communication sheds light on the internal dynamics of the trusts amid heightened scrutiny around leadership, trustee roles, and the future of Tata Sons, the Tata Group’s principal holding company.

Khambata Says September Meeting Was Governance Review, Not Power Play

Addressing concerns head-on, Khambata clarifies that the September 11 meeting was simply an annual review of how the trusts were represented on the Tata Sons board through their nominee directors. He stresses that the intention was never to displace any trustee or engineer a takeover of trust influence.

“That representation is a duty to the Trusts, not a prize,” Khambata writes, adding that he had declined suggestions from Ratan Tata himself—on two separate occasions—to become a nominee director on the Tata Sons board. This, he says, should dispel any suggestion that he sought a more influential position within the group.

Khambata also expresses regret that trustee Vijay Singh, who was voted out of his nominee director role in a 4–3 decision, was not present at the meeting to hear the participants’ views “face to face.”

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Media Coverage Called ‘Unfair Slant’ as Khambata Defends Trustees’ Conduct

According to Khambata, the “unfair slant” in media coverage has caused unnecessary pain for Vijay Singh and created the false appearance of a power struggle. He says that all trustees share a responsibility to forge consensus and that differences in approach should not be misconstrued as internal rebellion.

The letter reiterates that the trustees at the meeting “felt absolutely nothing against Vijay,” reinforcing his argument that the discussion was driven by governance concerns—not personal ambition.

Following Singh’s exit, the trusts’ representation on the Tata Sons board now stands at two nominee directors: Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan.

Opposition to Tata Sons Listing at the Heart of the Debate

One of the most significant revelations in the letter is Khambata’s clear stance against a potential Tata Sons listing, a topic that has been debated within the trusts over recent months. He writes that his motivation during the September 11 meeting was driven by a desire to ensure the trusts had a “more assertive voice” at the board level to defend their interests against such a listing.

The trusts—being the largest shareholders in Tata Sons—have deep influence over key strategic decisions. A public listing could fundamentally alter the balance of power by increasing external scrutiny and diluting trust control.

Khambata argues that he and other trustees have been unfairly vilified for expressing genuine concerns over Tata Sons’ governance trajectory and long-term strategic implications.

Khambata Recalls 2024 Events to Counter ‘Control Grab’ Claims

To further counter allegations of a takeover, Khambata cites events from October 2024—after Ratan Tata’s passing—when he and others strongly supported Noel Tata as the most suitable leader of the trusts. He reveals that Noel’s elevation as chairman was proposed by Mehli Mistry and seconded by Khambata himself.

“I have had no cause for regret after that. The Tata legacy is in good hands,” he writes, underlining his commitment to stability and continuity within Tata Trusts.

Calls for Unity and Support for Noel Tata’s Leadership

The letter makes clear that Khambata has repeatedly pushed for unity amid the internal disagreements. He reveals that, after the September 11 meeting, he proposed issuing a joint statement of solidarity reaffirming Noel Tata’s leadership, an effort aimed at conveying cohesion despite divergent views.

While the letter does not comment on subsequent internal responses or disclosures from other trustees, it insists that the current controversy stems largely from mischaracterisation rather than an actual struggle for control.

Governance, Media Scrutiny, and the Future of Tata Sons at Crossroads

The Tata Trusts row highlights how governance debates—especially over sensitive issues like a potential Tata Sons listing—can become deeply intertwined with personal equations and public perception. The trusts play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the Tata Group, making their internal discussions a subject of wide market and media interest.

By rejecting the “coup” narrative, disclaiming any personal ambitions for board representation, and endorsing Noel Tata’s stewardship, Khambata’s letter seeks to recast the controversy as a serious internal debate about safeguarding the trusts’ long-term interests.

As the philanthropic backbone of one of India’s most influential conglomerates navigates this moment of introspection, the focus will remain on unity, clarity of purpose, and the protection of the Tata legacy.

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