Tata Trusts has strongly rejected allegations concerning a 1989 transfer of Tata Sons shares by the Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust to the late Naval H. Tata, calling the claims baseless, malicious, and part of an attempt to damage the reputation of the Trusts and the Tata family. The statement was issued in response to a complaint reportedly filed with the Charity Commissioner over the decades-old transaction.

According to Tata Trusts, the allegations of impropriety surrounding the share transfer are “categorically denied.” The Trusts maintained that the transaction was fully lawful, executed for valid consideration, and carried out in compliance with the legal and regulatory framework in place at the time. They further stated that all necessary approvals had been obtained and that the process had undergone appropriate scrutiny by relevant authorities.

The Trusts also asserted that the share transfer had been reviewed and cleared at multiple levels, including legal vetting by the late Nani A. Palkhivala, a prominent constitutional expert. Additionally, they said the transaction received approval from the then board of Tata Sons and was executed through valid documentation, including a properly stamped share transfer form registered with the Registrar of Companies.

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In their statement, Tata Trusts alleged that the complaint was part of a “wilful, malicious and orchestrated campaign” aimed at tarnishing the legacy of the institution and members of the Tata family, including the late Ratan N. Tata, Jimmy Tata and Noel Tata. The Trusts emphasised that the claims lacked factual basis and were intended to undermine an organisation with a long-standing philanthropic and nation-building history.

The Trusts also criticised the petitioner identified as Suresh Tulsiram Patilkhede, describing him as a “serial litigator” who has previously initiated proceedings against them without establishing a valid locus standi. They further referenced recent proceedings before the Bombay High Court, stating that the court had raised concerns about the manner in which representations were made before the petitioner withdrew the case.

Tata Trusts said it would pursue appropriate legal remedies to protect its goodwill and reputation, reiterating that the allegations are unfounded. The organisation stressed that the decades-old transaction was legitimate and fully compliant with applicable norms, and that it would continue to defend its position through legal channels if necessary.

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