Position reiterated at the Tata Sons Board Meeting, by Noel N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, following a move to revisit N. Chandrasekaran's reappointment; Selection Committee to proceed in accordance with the Articles of Association
Mumbai, 17 September 2026: The Tata Trusts today reiterated their considered position that the decision of Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, not to offer himself for reappointment upon the conclusion of his current tenure on 20 February 2027, has been duly accepted and has attained finality.
On 12 August 2026, Mr. Chandrasekaran communicated to the Tata Sons Board, his own decision not to offer himself for reappointment- a decision that was freely taken, clearly expressed and not the outcome of any process of review. It was made public without prior intimation or any deliberations with the shareholders of the company. Once such a decision has been publicly communicated, it has consequences which cannot be afterwards undone, since the Group’s employees, its lenders and counterparties, the market and the majority shareholder have all proceeded on it.
The Tata Trusts formally placed on record their acceptance of the decision the following day and advised Tata Sons to initiate the process for setting up a Selection Committee for appointing a successor, in accordance with the Articles of Association of Tata Sons.
The Trusts’ position remains unchanged, as a considered judgement of a majority shareholder. This position was reiterated in today’s board meeting by the Chairman, Tata Trusts. The resolution seeking to reappoint Mr. N. Chandrasekaran in the Board meeting today, with four Directors voting in favour, and Mr Noel Tata against, was a legal nullity in view of the provisions of the Articles of Association of Tata Sons. Specifically speaking:
- The process for appointing a Chairman under the Article of Association requires a majority of the Trusts’ Nominee Directors voting in favour of the resolution.
- That process applies equally to a first appointment and to reappointing someone who already holds the office.
- The Board, accordingly, cannot lawfully hold a meeting or pass a resolution on the Chairman's appointment or reappointment unless both nominee directors are present, and cannot validly pass such a resolution unless both nominee directors vote in favour. Given that Mr Noel Tata, being one of the Trust nominee directors, voted against the proposal, it was rendered 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 Trusts’ stand. The same was not taken note of by the Board.
The detailed statement presented by Mr Noel N. Tata to the board of Tata Sons, with regard to the proposal for the said reappointment, is annexed.
The Tata Trusts remain committed to ensuring an orderly and timely leadership transition in the long-term interests of Tata Sons and the Tata Group.
Established in 1892, the Tata Trusts are India’s oldest and amongst Asia's largest philanthropic institutions. They have played a pioneering role in bringing about an enduring difference in the lives of the communities they serve, advancing equity, resilience, and shared progress. Inspired by the vision of the Founder Jamsetji Tata and guided by a legacy of proactive philanthropy, the Tata Trusts work to catalyse systemic and sustainable change across diverse areas by building institutions, strengthening public systems, and accelerating socio-economic development in a wide variety of areas- healthcare; nutrition; education; water, sanitation and hygiene; urban and rural livelihoods, amongst others. The Trusts build meaningful solutions, bridging tradition and innovation, through collaborations that nurture grassroots efforts, empower change makers, and touch lives across India.
For more information please visit: www.tatatrusts.org
