Tata Trusts seeks hearing on Venu Srinivasan's complaint before charity commissioner

Mumbai: Tata Trusts submitted a request to the Maharashtra charity commissioner seeking an opportunity to be heard before any decision is made on a complaint filed by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) trustee Venu Srinivasan, who has alleged governance lapses in the trust's administration.

The Trusts are also taking a legal view on whether to file a caveat petition that would ensure that the charity commissioner does not pass any interim orders without hearing them, people in the know said.

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"A caveat has to be filed before a judicial officer at the charity commissioner's office following the due process. So far, a submission has been made before the charity commissioner seeking an opportunity to be heard," said a person who was privy to developments.

Tata Trusts declined to comment.

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The move comes days after Srinivasan sought an immediate inquiry into the administration and governance of SDTT, alleging "serious governance lapses" and questioning the involvement of the charitable trust and its trustees in Tata Sons' commercial and strategic affairs.

In his complaint, Srinivasan questioned the appointment and continued status of Noel Tata as a perpetual trustee, his position as chairman of Tata Trusts, the appointment of Neville Tata and Srinivasan's exclusion from certain decision-making processes.

He also objected to a September 16 circular resolution seeking to restrain him, as the joint SDTT-Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) nominee director on the Tata Sons board, from participating in or voting on the proposed listing of Tata Sons. Srinivasan described the move as an "extraordinary attempt" to prevent him from exercising his independent judgment and alleged it was part of an effort to "concentrate decision-making power within a smaller group of trustees."

Srinivasan sought directions against Noel Tata on his participation in certain SDTT decisions and asked the charity commissioner to consider suspension or removal of trustees, if warranted.