Tata Trusts vs Tata Sons: Why Tata's Two Power Centres Are at War

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The dispute over Chandrasekaran's tenure has unfolded over more than a year. According to a Tata Sons statement, the board received a unanimous resolution from Tata Trusts dated July 28, 2025, supporting a second five-year term for him

Tata Trusts vs Tata Sons: Why Tatas Two Power Centres Are at War
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons (left) and Noel Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts | File Photo

The Tata Group is in the middle of its most serious internal governance crisis in decades. Tata Trusts, which owns 66% of Tata Sons, and the Tata Sons board, which runs India's largest conglomerate, are locked in a battle over who controls the $185 billion empire.

On September 17, 2026, the Tata Sons board voted 4-1 to reappoint N Chandrasekaran as Executive Chairman for another five years. Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata called the decision "illegal", as per a Moneycontrol report.

Tata Trusts is a collective of philanthropic entities. It owns about 66% of Tata Sons, the holding company for the Tata Group. This ownership gives the trusts ultimate control. Under the Tata Sons Articles of Association, the trusts appoint one-third of the directors and hold special veto powers over key decisions, including the appointment of the chairman.

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