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Who Is Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Tata’s Lawyer Turned Adversary?
Abhishek Manu Singhvi is a famous Indian lawyer and politician.
He is now representing Tata Trusts in a disagreement with Tata Sons.
The Trusts oppose N Chandrasekaran staying chairman of Tata Sons for another five years.
They say the decision was not approved in the way the company’s rules require.
The Trusts also oppose the proposed public listing of Tata Sons.
Singhvi’s role is notable because he previously represented the Tata side in a dispute with Cyrus Mistry.
He says he joined the new case with sadness and regret because of his association with the late Ratan Tata.
Singhvi has also represented major politicians, companies and organisations in important court cases.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi is representing Tata Trusts in opposing N Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as Tata Sons chairman.
Tata Trusts, which hold about 66% of Tata Sons, are challenging the validity of a September 17 board resolution.
The Trusts argue that both Trust-nominated directors needed to support the reappointment under Tata Sons’ Articles of Association.
Singhvi previously represented the Tata side in the Tata Sons-Cyrus Mistry dispute, which reached the Supreme Court in 2021.
A senior Supreme Court advocate and Congress politician, Singhvi has handled several prominent constitutional, corporate and criminal cases.
- Who
- Abhishek Manu Singhvi is representing Tata Trusts against Tata Sons and its chairman, N Chandrasekaran.
- What
- Tata Trusts are challenging Chandrasekaran’s reappointment and opposing the proposed listing of Tata Sons.
- Where
- The dispute concerns Tata Sons and is being pursued through legal proceedings in India, including matters before the Supreme Court.
- When
- The challenged board resolution was passed on September 17; Chandrasekaran was reappointed for another five-year term.
- Why
- Tata Trusts say the reappointment did not receive the support required from both Trust-nominated directors under Tata Sons’ Articles of Association.
Tata Trusts’ position
Tata Sons’ position
Chandrasekaran’s reappointment
Tata Trusts’ position
Tata Trusts argue that the September 17 board resolution was invalid because it lacked the required support from both Trust-nominated directors.
Tata Sons’ position
Tata Sons’ position, as described in the dispute, is that Chandrasekaran’s reappointment should stand; the articles do not state Tata Sons’ detailed response in the article.
Proposed public listing
Tata Trusts’ position
Tata Trusts say existing governance structures should be respected before Tata Sons proceeds with a listing.
Tata Sons’ position
Tata Sons view the listing as important for enhancing corporate governance.
Key facts
- Profession
- Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court and Congress politician
- Current role
- Legal representative for Tata Trusts in their dispute with Tata Sons
- Tata Trusts’ ownership
- The Trusts hold about 66% of Tata Sons
- Contested decision
- N Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as Tata Sons chairman for another five years
- Previous Tata role
- Singhvi was part of the Tata legal team in the Tata Sons-Cyrus Mistry dispute
- Government position
- He became India’s youngest Additional Solicitor General in 1997, serving from 1997 to 1998
- Political position
- He is a Rajya Sabha member representing Telangana








