Tata-Mistry row: No unanimous support to Mistry from Tata Motors independent directors

In yet another blow to ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry in the ongoing Tata Sons-Mistry fued, independent directors of Tata Motors on Tuesday said that they did not offer unanimous support to his leadership and instead backed all decisions taken by the company, including on small car Nano, which have been criticised by the ousted chairman of Tata Sons.

Unlike the backing he got from independent directors of Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) and Tata Chemicals, the words of unanimous backing to Mistry's leadership during the crucial board meeting of Tata Motors were absent from the statement that the automaker issued after the meeting that lasted over five hours.

The board meeting of Tata Motors assumed significance against the backdrop of escalating feud between Tatas and Mistry as well as Tata Sons' decision to seek ouster of Mistry from key group companies.

Mistry continues to be chairman of several listed companies of Tata Group even after he was removed as chairman of the holding company, Tata Sons. These companies include Tata Motors, Tata Chemicals and IHCL.

In a statement, the country's top automaker said: "The independent directors of Tata Motors met today to consider and review the impact and significance of recent events and media reports relating to the governance, management and business of the company."

The independent directors have confirmed that all decisions taken by the board with regard to the strategy, operations and business of the company have been unanimous and executed by the chairman and the management accordingly, it added.

"The independent directors have further affirmed that the company continues to be governed, supervised and managed under the guidance and direction of the board.

"The management of the company and its subsidiaries have the full confidence and support the independent directors," the statement said.

The statement issued by Tata Motors was in contrast tothe ones issued by IHCL and Tata Chemicals which stated thatindependent directors had supported Mistry unanimously.     

Sources said one of the independent directors came witha resolution backing Mistry but after the deliberations theresolution was not carried.

Other independent directors did not approve it suggestingbig differences in the board over the support to Mistry.