New Delhi, Oct. 28 -- Late industrialist Ratan Tata left his heirloom guns to Mehli Mistry, his close confidante for decades. In the coming battle between Mistry and the trustees of Tata Trusts, guns will be drawn, albeit metaphorically.

Mistry, who inherited Tata's Alibaug bungalow and executed his will, was ousted from the boards of Tata Trusts on Wednesday. According to people close to him, the businessman is expected to launch a legal challenge to his ouster soon. The exit marks an abrupt end to Mistry's tenure at the philanthropic trusts that own the majority of Tata Sons, the holding company of the sprawling Tata Group.

Mistry heads the M. Pallonji Group, which has interests in shipping, dredging and auto dealerships. Appointed in...