Tata Sons listing: RBI files caveat in Bombay High Court over mandatory listing

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has submitted a caveat petition to the Bombay High Court regarding the mandatory listing of Tata Sons. This pre-emptive step aims to ensure that the court takes into account the central bank's explanation and stance on its decision to reject Tata Sons' request to deregister as a Core Investment Company (CIC).

The RBI's move suggests that Tata Sons might pursue legal action against the central bank's decision. The RBI has not yet responded to inquiries from The Indian Express. Tata Sons was in the process of exploring legal remedies to counter the RBI's directive, which obliges the parent company to relinquish its unlisted status and undergo an initial public offering (IPO) to list shares on stock exchanges.

On September 11, the RBI rejected Tata Sons' application to retain its status as a CIC, compelling the company to comply with the RBI's guidelines and engage in an IPO. This development has further exacerbated tensions within the Tata Group, with the trustees of Tata Trusts, which control about 66% of the company, deeply divided over the issue.

The RBI's decision arrives at a crucial time for the Tata Group as it searches for a new chairman to succeed N Chandrasekaran, who announced his departure upon the expiration of his term on February 20, 2027, following a board vote that was not unanimous in favor of his reappointment. Additionally, Tata Sons is contemplating legal action to lift the freeze on board proceedings of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT).

A May order from the Charity Commissioner has halted the trust's ability to hold board meetings while an inquiry into its board composition is ongoing. This has created a challenge for Tata Sons, as the trust cannot jointly nominate a representative to the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, a requirement under the Articles of Association for the trust's annual general meeting (AGM).

The AGM cannot proceed until the SRTT, which holds a 23.56% stake in Tata Sons, secures relief from the restraining order issued by the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner.