Tata Sons’ board has reappointed N Chandrasekaran as chairman and supported listing the holding company, despite opposition from its largest shareholder, Tata Trusts. The dispute threatens a prolonged governance and legal battle that could affect leadership, business continuity and the future structure of one of India’s most influential conglomerates.

Tata Trusts owns 66% of Tata Sons and may oppose Chandrasekaran’s reappointment at the annual meeting, which must be held before 31 December. The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to retain Tata Sons within a regulatory category carrying a listing obligation has increased pressure for a stock-market debut, while critics argue that public ownership could weaken the trusts’ control and undermine their charitable model; the group’s investments in areas such as semiconductors and airlines have also fuelled investor uncertainty.