Tata Trusts opposes reappointment of N. Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons

As Noel Tata, one of the nominee directors of the Trust, voted against the proposal, the proposal was legally void and without any basis, Tata Trusts said. Photo file

The Tata Trusts today reiterated their considered position that the decision of Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, not to seek re-appointment beyond the end of his current term on 20 February 2027, has been duly taken and has become final.

On 12 August 2026, Mr Chandrasekaran communicated to the Tata Sons board his own decision not to offer himself for re-appointment – a decision that was freely made, clearly expressed and not the result of any review process, the Tata Trusts said.

“It was made public without prior notice or any discussion with the company’s shareholders. Once such a decision has been publicly announced, it has consequences that cannot be reversed as it was acted upon by the group’s employees, its creditors and counterparties, the market and the majority shareholder,” the statement added.

The Tata Trusts formally registered its acceptance of the decision the following day and advised Tata Sons to initiate the process to set up a selection committee to appoint a successor in accordance with the Tata Sons Articles of Association, he added.

“The position of the Trusts remains unchanged, as the considered judgment of the majority shareholder. This position was reiterated by the Chairman of the Tata Trusts at today’s board meeting. The resolution seeking the reappointment of Mr. N. Chandrasekaran at today’s board meeting, with four directors voting in favor and Mr. Noel Tata against, was legally void in view of the provisions of Tata Son’s articles of association.”

She said the process for appointing a chairman under the articles of association requires a majority of the trusts’ nominated directors to vote in favor of the resolution.

“This process applies equally to the first appointment as well as to the reappointment of someone already in office. Therefore, the board cannot lawfully meet or make a resolution to appoint a chairman or reappointment unless both director nominees are present, and cannot validly pass such a resolution unless both director nominees vote in favor,” it said.

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Since Mr. Noel Tata, one of the nominee directors of the Trust, voted against the proposal, the proposal was legally void and without any basis.

Mr. Noel N. Tata further submitted a legal opinion obtained from Justice Dr. DY Chandrachud (Former Chief Justice of India) regarding the correctness of the position of the trusts. The same was not taken note of by the board, Tata Trusts said.

Tata Trusts remains committed to ensuring an orderly and timely transition of leadership in the long-term interests of Tata Sons and the Tata Group.

Published – 17 Sep 2026 16:54 IST