MAM
Contract gets a new head of art – India in Vineet Mahajan
MUMBAI: Contract Advertising has brought on board Vineet Mahajan as head of art – India. Prior to this, Mahajan was heading McCann Erickson’s Delhi office as head of art. It would be his second stint at Contract after a gap of five years.
Mahajan said, “Contract holds a special place for me and the new role will be far more challenging with lots of new opportunities. New city, new role, new place should be exciting.”
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Contract Advertising COO Rana Barua said, “Contract prides itself in offering the best talent available in the country to its clients. Vineet’s coming on board is yet another step in that direction as his impeccable credentials and skill sets will bring in a huge value add to our clients. Contract is well poised to take bigger strides in the industry as we get into the New Year with a lot of hope and zeal to partner our clients in their journey to success.”
In the past, Mahajan along with Contract Advertising NCD Ashish Chakravarty was also instrumental in putting Contract Delhi on the International awards map after a gap of 10 years. “Well, frankly Vineet Mahajan needs no introduction, so let me just say that I am absolutely thrilled to have him on board. He will be based out of Mumbai, but will work closely with me on all key brands across all offices. There is much value he brings to the table in terms of art and aesthetics, and I feel all our clients should benefit from this. Plus he has such a colorful presence, it should certainly liven things up at Contract”, said Chakravarty.
With over 15 years of experience, he has spent between O&M, McCann Erickson and Contract where he has worked on various award-winning campaigns.
Brands
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.
