The Tata Group is bracing for a significant legal confrontation as the opposing sides vying for control of the Indian conglomerate have enlisted some of the nation's leading legal professionals. While both camps reportedly prefer to avoid a lengthy court battle, the substantial legal resources being assembled suggest they are preparing for one.
The dispute centers on the reappointment of chairman N. Chandrasekaran and the future direction of Tata Sons, the group's holding company. Tata Trusts, which holds 66% of Tata Sons, has declared Chandrasekaran's extension "illegal" and "void ab initio" (invalid from the beginning), challenging the September 17, 2026, board vote that approved his five-year tenure. This move comes as Tata Sons considers a potential public listing, a move opposed by Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata, who favors keeping the holding company private.
Legal heavyweights are aligning with each side. Tata Trusts and Noel Tata are advised by Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, with managing partner Cyril Shroff personally handling the matter, alongside senior partners and Bharat Vasani, a former Tata Sons general counsel. They have also retained top litigators such as Aspi Chinoy, Janak Dwarkadas, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Mukul Rohatgi. On the other side, Tata Sons and Chandrasekaran are being advised by Shuva Mandal, another former Tata Sons group general counsel, and prominent senior advocates Harish Salve and Ravi Kadam. Harish Salve has publicly supported the listing of Tata Sons, arguing for transparency in a global institution, while Abhishek Manu Singhvi has publicly countered, stating that the fundamental rights of shareholder-owners cannot be nullified.
