Noel Tata challenges reappointment vote and seeks board records

Noel Tata renewed his objections on Monday to the Tata Sons board’s decision to give N Chandrasekaran another term as executive chairman, according to reports from Mumbai. His latest letter questions the procedure behind the September 17 vote and seeks documents relating to the decision.

The resolution provides for a five-year term beginning on February 21, 2027. Tata had opposed the reappointment and has since raised concerns about the meeting agenda, voting requirements and the recording of proceedings.

Writing to company secretary Suprakash Mukhopadhyay, he requested audio and video recordings, signed minutes and voting records. He also sought material submitted to the Registrar of Companies and asked for a response within seven days.

Dispute over voting rules and disclosures

Noel Tata argued that the original agenda and its revised version had not clearly listed a resolution renewing the chairman’s appointment. He also questioned the absence of a selection committee under Article 118 of the company’s Articles of Association.

Another point of disagreement concerns the approval needed from Tata Trusts’ nominee directors. Tata opposed the decision while Venu Srinivasan supported it; according to reports, nomination and remuneration committee chair Harish Manwani used a casting vote.

Tata Sons maintains that its action complied with Article 121. Tata disputes that interpretation and has asked that regulators be informed that the resolution’s validity remains contested.

The letter also questions whether Srinivasan faced a potential conflict involving reported commercial ties between TVS Motor and Hanno One Warehousing, associated with Chandrasekaran’s family. Tata sought the related disclosures and details of the board’s consideration of them.

He requested the preservation of recordings, minutes and regulatory documents. Reports said requests for comment sent to Tata Sons and Tata had not received replies.