Ratan Tata, the revered chairman emeritus of Tata Group, passed away at 86 in Mumbai. Known for transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, he was engaged in a legal battle with successor Cyrus Mistry, culminating in a Supreme Court ruling in 2021 that upheld Mistry’s removal. Tata’s legacy endures in Indian industry.
New Delhi: Ratan Tata, one of India’s most iconic industrialists and chairman emeritus of Tata Group, passed away at the age of 86 in Mumbai on Wednesday night. A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Tata’s influence extended far beyond the boardroom, leaving a legacy that reshaped Indian industry. However, his later years were marked by a fierce legal battle with his successor, Cyrus Mistry, which culminated in a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
A Legacy of Leadership and Legal Showdowns
Ratan Tata took over the Tata Group in 1991, turning it into a global conglomerate with interests ranging from salt to software. In 2012, Tata stepped down as chairman of Tata Sons Private Limited (TSPL), handing the reins to Cyrus Mistry of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. However, just four years later, Mistry’s abrupt ousting ignited one of the most high-profile boardroom battles in Indian corporate history.
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The removal of Mistry as the executive chairman of the Tata Group in 2016 triggered a bitter legal fight, with the Shapoorji Pallonji Group challenging the decision. What followed was a protracted legal battle that spanned nearly four years, with both sides clashing in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), and ultimately, the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Verdict Brings Closure
On March 26, 2021, the Supreme Court delivered a historic verdict, upholding Cyrus Mistry’s removal from Tata Sons. The court’s decision not only reaffirmed the Tata Group’s decision but also dismissed the plea by the Shapoorji Pallonji Group seeking separation of ownership interests in TSPL.
The judgment was seen as a personal and professional victory for Ratan Tata, bringing an end to the intense public and legal scrutiny surrounding the battle.
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The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice S A Bobde, rejected the NCLAT’s earlier order that had briefly reinstated Mistry as chairman. The ruling underscored the importance of the Tata Group’s internal governance and defended Tata’s leadership decisions, marking the end of a deeply divisive chapter in the history of India’s largest conglomerate.
A Tale of Two Losses
The saga took a tragic turn on September 4, 2022, when Cyrus Mistry died in a car crash in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. His sudden death shocked the nation, closing the final chapter on one of India’s most high-profile corporate rivalries. Despite their bitter differences, both Tata and Mistry were titans of industry whose legacies left an indelible mark on India’s corporate landscape.
A Farewell to an Icon
Ratan Tata’s passing has left a void in the world of business, with tributes pouring in from all corners of India. After his death, Tata was honored with a ceremonial guard of honor by the Mumbai Police. His final rites took place at a crematorium in Worli, attended by several prominent leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Ratan Tata will be remembered not only for his monumental contributions to the Indian economy but also for his unyielding spirit in the face of corporate challenges. His leadership, integrity, and resilience continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and industrialists, as the Tata Group carries forward his legacy of excellence and innovation.
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