MAM
Autocar and Mahindra & Mahindra’s #WomenWithDrive edition four breaks gender stereotypes
Mumbai: In line with the illustrious occasion of Women’s Day, Autocar India and Mahindra & Mahindra have partnered once again for #WomenWithDrive — a stellar community-building initiative focusing on empowering women auto enthusiasts through a curated driving experience.
This is the fourth edition of the event.
It will kickstart with a flagging off from The Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. A convoy of Mahindra cars driven by women from diverse professions will head to Adventure Square in Aamby Valley City on 9 March 2024. The event promises an exciting line-up of tailored events aimed to help women experience the joy of driving.
#WomenWithDrive serves as a continuation of Autocar India and Mahindra & Mahindra’s collaborative efforts to fight gender stereotypes in the automotive industry. The initiative prides itself on providing a platform for women from various walks of life to come together with like-minded individuals and hone their skills, building a community along the way. The event also focuses on providing a space for women in traditionally male-dominated driving scenarios, thereby helping change the pre-existing perceptions around endeavours such as off-roading, and boosting the participants’ confidence behind the wheel.
The event – which has seen a diverse line-up of participants including doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs in the past — has enjoyed immense success with each edition building upon the strengths of the previous one. With previous editions offering loads of excitement for the participants, and helping them showcase their skills through experiences like convoy driving, auto-crossing, off-roading, and more, the upcoming edition of #WomenWithDrive promises to deliver a day full of thrilling experiences behind the wheel, and then some.
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Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
