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Sources close to the family confirmed that Ratan Tata specifically bequeathed the ownership of these three firearms to Mehli Mistry.
Ratan Tata’s firearms have a deep emotional significance, having been either gifted to him or passed down through family lines.
Following the passing of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, there has been much speculation and intrigue surrounding his estate, including the distribution of his wealth and assets. In a recent revelation, details of Ratan Tata’s will have come to light, shedding light on his personal bequests and the future of his legacy.
Ratan Tata, whose total assets are estimated to be valued at over Rs 10,000 crore, bequeathed the majority of his wealth to philanthropic causes, alongside specific provisions for family members. The task of executing the will and overseeing the division of his estate was entrusted to his half-sisters, Shirin and Diana Jeejeebhoy, his long-time lawyer Darius Khambatta, and his close friend Mehli Mistry.
However, among the more personal elements of Tata’s will, one key detail stands out: the transfer of three of his prized firearms – an intricately valuable pistol, rifle, and gun – to his longtime confidant, Mehli Mistry. These weapons, which have become symbolic of Ratan Tata’s personal connections and his heritage, were rarely used by the man himself, despite his position as one of the country’s oldest licenced firearm holders.
A Legacy of Guns: Gifts and Inherited Treasures
Ratan Tata’s firearms have a deep emotional significance, having been either gifted to him or passed down through family lines. It is reported that one of the weapons was a gift from Sumant Mulgaonkar, the former chairman of Tata Motors, who was an avid hunter before Wildlife Protection Act came into effect in 1972. The other two firearms were inherited from Ratan Tata’s father, Naval Tata, and his uncle, JRD Tata – each a revered figure in Tata Group history and a close personal mentor to Ratan Tata. These firearms, while not frequently used, were cherished as reminders of his bond with these influential figures.
Sources close to the family confirmed that, through his will, Ratan Tata specifically bequeathed the ownership of these three firearms to Mehli Mistry, a trustee of the Tata Trusts and one of Ratan Tata’s most trusted business associates. The transfer of these weapons was not only a reflection of their deep friendship but also symbolised the continuation of Tata’s legacy, ensuring that these personal heirlooms remained within the fold of trusted confidants.
Legal Considerations for Firearm Ownership
The legal aspects of transferring ownership of firearms in the country are complex. According to experts, firearms that are legally acquired can indeed be willed, provided the recipient holds the necessary licence to own and use them. As per Lalit Kumar, a partner at J Sagar Associates, “The beneficiary must possess a valid firearm licence to take possession of the weapons legally.” After Ratan Tata’s passing, the firearms were temporarily held by the police armoury. In order for Mehli Mistry to take them into his possession, he will need to obtain a licence, which can be granted for specific purposes such as self-defence, sporting, or as decorative pieces.
Reports suggest that Mehli Mistry may choose to register the firearms under his existing licence (if he has one) or apply for a new licence. Given the stricter regulations surrounding firearm ownership, it is speculated that Mistry may opt to keep the guns as non-functional, decorative items. If he pursues this route, the police would disable the firing pins, rendering the firearms incapable of being used for their original purpose.
Beachfront Property in Alibaug Also Bequeathed
In addition to the firearms, Ratan Tata’s luxurious beachfront property in Alibaug has also been bequeathed to Mehli Mistry. The property is a testament to Tata’s understated lifestyle, where he sought solace away from the public eye. The connection between Tata and Mistry goes back decades, and it is understood that Mistry was among the few people who had a close personal relationship with Tata. Even after Ratan Tata retired from his position as Chairman of the Tata Group in 2012, the two maintained a close bond. Tata later moved to his residence in Colaba, Mumbai, called Halekai, where he spent his final years.
Who Is Mehli Mistry?
Mehli Mistry is a prominent businessman and one of the leading figures in the M Pallonji Group, which he manages with his brother Feroze. The Mistry family, led by their patriarch Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry, holds a significant stake in the Tata Group through their Shapoorji Pallonji Group, making Mehli a key figure in Tata’s broader business network.
Mistry gained wider attention in recent years due to his role in the legal disputes surrounding the ousting of Cyrus Mistry from the position of Tata Group chairman in 2016. Allegations surfaced that the M Pallonji Group received preferential treatment due to Mehli Mistry’s close relationship with Ratan Tata. However, these claims were later dismissed by the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of Tata’s leadership decisions.
In 2022, Mehli Mistry was appointed to the board of Tata Trusts, the philanthropic arm of the Tata Group that oversees the organisation’s vast charitable endeavours. His appointment solidified his status as an integral part of the Tata Group’s future, ensuring his involvement in the group’s philanthropic activities for years to come.
