MAM
Planman launches research-driven power book
MUMBAI: Marketing company, Planman Marcom, has launched Powerbrands 2010-11, a research-driven power book that consists of India‘s most powerful brands. The book, launched in two formats – a coffee table edition and a corporate edition, is named ‘Evolution to Revolution‘.
The company said that the book that was evolved after rigorous research and brain- storming will act as a strategic tool in reinforcing the supremacy, legacy, sustainability and credibility of brands.
Says IIPM Prof. honorary director Arindam Chaudhuri, “One cannot deny the fact that so many Indian businessmen and entrepreneurs find a place in the list of the billionaires worldwide, showcasing the success story of Indian Inc and its ever-expanding consumer base.
“But, on the flip side, not a single India-born brand could find a place in such lists. We are such a huge market with innumerable opportunities and business prospects and hence branding of a product is as important as the product itself.” He also said that a right kind of knowledge about a brand is what consumers are looking for nowadays.
Concepts like ‘Power-Factor‘ analysis and ‘Power Success Factor‘ (PSF) have been included in the book. This first brand study encompassed nine different parameters essential for the survival, revival, growth and revolution of brands- to establish a brand‘s credibility.
Adds PowerBrands Planman Marcom CEO and co-author Abhimanyu Ghosh, “It is a power book to reflect the soul of each brand so as to bridge the gap between the perceptions of the consumer and the brands.
“Without a well-crafted brand profile, a brand may not seem attractive enough to suit their best markets and fortify their presence amongst the consumers; hence it is adequate to carve a suitable brand perception in order to attract the respective target audience.”
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.
