Ratan Tata's Step-Sisters Denied Stake in His Wealth

In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has determined that Ratan Tata's step-sisters will not receive any stake in his wealth, which will instead be allocated to his two foundations. This decision follows a request from the estate administrators regarding the distribution of Tata's equity portfolio. The court clarified that the shares in both listed and unlisted companies will be divided equally between the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation and the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust. The ruling opens the path for the probate process of Tata's will, expected to conclude soon. This article delves into the details of the court's decision and its implications for Tata's family.
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Ratan Tata's Step-Sisters Denied Stake in His Wealth

Court Ruling on Ratan Tata's Estate

Ratan Tata's step-sisters have received disappointing news as the Bombay High Court has clarified that the stakes in Ratan Tata's listed and unlisted companies will be allocated to his two foundations. This means his step-sisters will not inherit any part of this wealth. According to reports, this clarification came after the estate administrators sought guidance from the High Court regarding the distribution of the late industrialist's equity portfolio.


Legal Proceedings Opened

The court recently issued this ruling, paving the way for the probate process of Tata's will, which is expected to conclude within a month.


Who Will Receive the Shares?

The court specified that the shares in Ratan Tata's listed and unlisted companies will be divided between the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF) and the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust (RTET). His step-sisters, Shirin and Dina Jejehbhoy, along with Mohini Dutta, will not have any claim to these shares. Notably, Mohini Dutta has claimed to be Tata's adopted child and has been a close associate of Ratan Tata.


How the Decision Came About

As reported, this decision emerged when the administrators of Ratan Tata's estate requested the Bombay High Court for direction on the allocation of his equity holdings. On June 16, 2025, the court clarified that the assets would be distributed equally (50:50) between the two foundations.


Background of the Case

While there was no internal dispute among the administrators, they were beneficiaries in certain matters. Additionally, questions were raised by other heirs regarding the appendices related to Tata's will, particularly concerning whether the individuals named in sections 4 to 8 of the will, including his step-sisters and Mohini Dutta, should receive shares beyond those of Tata Sons.


Details on the Shares Involved

Ratan Tata holds shares worth over ₹1,547 crores in non-Tata Sons companies, including:



  • TCS

  • Tata Motors

  • Tata Investment Corporation

  • RNT Associates

  • Pritish Nandy Communications

  • Curefit

  • Avanti Finance

  • Electra EV (Electrodrive Powertrain Solutions)

  • And several foreign shares like Howmet Aerospace and Alcoa Corp, listed on NYSE.


These shares will now be equally divided between RTEF and RTET.


What About Tata Sons Shares?

Ratan Tata's stake in Tata Sons is valued at approximately ₹1,684 crores. This was specifically mentioned in his will, and it will be distributed between RTEF and RTET in a 70:30 ratio.


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