Mistry gears up for legal battle, calls for 'a fair hearing'

INDUSTRIALIST MEHLI MISTRY has filed a caveat petition before the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, requesting that he be given “a fair hearing” before any formal move ismade to remove him as a trustee of Tata Trusts.

- GEORGE MATHEW

While the caveat, a preemptive legal measure, ensures that the court or the Charity Commissioner cannot pass any orderagainsthimwithout first giving him an opportunity to present his side, Mistryis understood to have got the support of Ratan Tata’s half-sisters.

Mistry’s challenge could complicate the plans of the Noel Mistry camp, potentially leading toanotherhigh-profilelegal tussle. It’s learnt that half-sisters of Ratan Tata, Shireen and Deanna Jeejeebhoy, are supporting Mistry and had goneon record expressing displeasure over the developments. Darius Khambata, a senior lawyer and a close associate of Mistry, Shireen, Deannaand Mistry are the executors of Ratan Tata’s will. Khambata, who voted for Mistry, is on the board of both Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust.