NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Monday launched a sharp critique of the Maharashtra charity commissioner for ordering the Tata Trusts to defer board meetings and appointing an inspector to look into complaints against the trusts. He drew a parallel with the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) case, where an unelected administrator was appointed, and questioned the nature of the relationship between the state government and the charity commissioner.
Background of the controversy
Amogh Kaloti, the Maharashtra charity commissioner, operates under the state's law and judiciary department, which is headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Earlier this month, Kaloti halted a crucial board meeting of the Tata Trusts, citing an ongoing probe into complaints. This move has sparked political debate.
In a post on social media platform X, Rohit Pawar highlighted that in the MCA case, the Bombay High Court had stayed the election process, and the matter is still pending before the Supreme Court. He noted, “However, the learned charity commissioner, in an unprecedented manner, appointed an unelected administrator who has taken over MCA’s cricket activities with no elected body.”
Pawar’s allegations
Rohit Pawar asserted that he has no objection to fair and legal inquiries. However, he expressed concern about a seemingly convenient new trend in Maharashtra, where administrators or inspectors are appointed over important trusts and institutions, effectively serving as instruments to quietly take control. He stated, “One can’t help but wonder whether a rather convenient new trend has emerged in Maharashtra, involving the appointment of administrators or inspectors over important trusts and institutions, and using them as instruments to quietly take control.”
Regarding the Tata Trusts case, Pawar pointed out that the charity commissioner issued his order despite the High Court rejecting a similar prayer against the Tata Trusts on May 13, 2026. He questioned, “Is it allowed for the charity commissioner to do what the HC rejected? Only on May 18, 2026, was it clarified that the directions are restricted to the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which holds approximately 24% of Tata Sons! This is clearly an attempt to exercise control over the Tatas, a proud business house of India known for its values.”
Wider implications
Pawar extended his criticism beyond charitable organisations, stating that the cooperative sector is witnessing a similar pattern, with examples like the Gokul Milk Union and the State Bank. He asked, “What is this relationship between the state govt and charity commissioner called? Against this backdrop, it is also essential to investigate whether those placed in charge of these trusts happen to have any special connections with someone in the govt.”
The Maharashtra charity commissioner, operating under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act of 1950, holds extensive statutory powers to oversee, regulate, and protect all public charitable trusts and endowments in the state. These powers include registering trusts, investigating financial misconduct, suspending trustees, and managing hospital charity beds.
