Tata Trusts dispute: Who is Amogh Kaloti, the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner handling key cases?

A relatively low-profile judicial officer from Maharashtra has found himself at the centre of one of India’s biggest corporate disputes. Amogh Kaloti, Maharashtra’s charity commissioner, has been dealing with multiple matters involving the Tata Trusts, which collectively hold a 66.4% stake in the Tata group, according to a Times of India report.

Kaloti, 50, was appointed Maharashtra’s charity commissioner in February 2024 after serving in the state’s judicial system. He works under the Law and Judiciary Department headed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

His involvement in the Tata dispute intensified in May 2026, when, following a complaint by Venu Srinivasan, he directed the Sir Ratan Tata Trust to defer board meetings and ordered an inquiry into the affairs of the trusts that control a majority stake in the Tata group.

Amravati courtroom to Maharashtra’s charity commission

Kaloti’s legal career began in Amravati, where he completed his education and later practised as an advocate before the district and sessions court.

According to TOI, he was regarded as a reserved and soft-spoken lawyer and judge who maintained a strict approach towards rules and procedures.

He entered the judicial service in 2013 after being appointed district and assistant sessions judge. Over the years, he served as district judge in Buldhana and worked at the City Civil and Sessions Court in Mumbai and the sessions court in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He subsequently served as principal district and sessions judge in Washim.

Before becoming charity commissioner, Kaloti also held positions including Joint Secretary, Secretary and SLA in Maharashtra’s Law and Judiciary Department, according to the profile published by TOI.

What does the Maharashtra charity commissioner do?

The charity commissioner is a quasi-judicial authority created under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950. The office oversees matters concerning public charitable trusts in the state.

The position carries a rank equivalent to that of a district judge. Its responsibilities include registration of trusts, inquiries into alleged financial irregularities, action against trustees and oversight of charitable activities, including hospital charity beds.

Although Kaloti holds the post of charity commissioner, cases are generally heard initially by assistant or deputy charity commissioners. TOI quoted an official explaining the process:

"After hearing, an appeal can be made before the charity commissioner. Usually it's a slow process and takes 3 to 6 months for hearings to conclude. Given the sensitive nature of the matter, even the hearings before the junior charity commissioners could take considerable time," the official said.

Kaloti did not respond to calls and text messages from TOI, the report said.

Kaloti’s role in the Tata Trusts dispute

Kaloti currently has three Tata-related matters before him, according to TOI. He has already ruled on one of them.

In an order dated September 2, 2026, Kaloti held that the 1989 transfer of shares from the Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust to Naval H Tata, father of Noel Tata, was legally valid. The decision concerned a transaction involving Tata Sons shares.

Two other matters remain pending.

One complaint, filed by Venu Srinivasan, concerns the number of permanent trustees on the board of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. The second was filed by Mehli Mistry and relates to his removal from the Trusts as well as a request for an inquiry into their governance practices.

With these matters pending, the Maharashtra charity commissioner remains involved in several proceedings concerning the administration and governance of Tata Trusts.

With inputs from TOI