MAM
Spykar & Hands of Hope unite against child sexual abuse for Tata Mumbai Marathon
Mumbai: Spykar, the trendsetting fashion brand, is proud to announce its collaboration with the Hands of Hope Foundation for the upcoming Tata Mumbai Marathon, slated for Sunday, 21 Jan. Hands of Hope Foundation is dedicated to combating child sexual abuse, and this partnership with Spykar is poised to deliver a substantial and meaningful impact in the fight against this critical issue.
Leading the charge is Rajan Mittal, our esteemed group head, who will be running the entire marathon to champion the cause. In solidarity, 20 to 25 Spykar employees will also be participating, collectively running in support of the foundation’s mission.
Child sexual abuse is a pervasive and distressing issue affecting countless lives. It encompasses various forms of non-consensual sexual activities involving children, leaving deep physical, emotional, and psychological scars. The Tata Mumbai Marathon serves as a critical platform for Spykar and Hands of Hope Foundation to spotlight this issue, fostering awareness and dialogue.
Spykar CEO Sanjay Vakharia expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “By openly addressing child sexual abuse, we aim to break the silence, dispel shame, and empower communities to recognize signs, provide support, and take preventive measures. Our collective goal is to create an environment where survivors are heard, believed, and supported. Through initiatives like the marathon, we strive to educate and build a culture prioritizing the well-being of children, ensuring they can grow up free from the devastating impact of sexual abuse. Every step in this marathon represents a stride toward a safer, more aware, and compassionate society.”
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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.
