MAM
DigiChefs bags social media & influencer marketing duties for Ram Bandhu
Mumbai: DigiChefs, an independent and high-performance creative agency has won the social media and influencer marketing duties of Ram Bandhu, the flagship brand from FMCG company Empire Spices & Foods Ltd (ESFL).
Under the mandate, DigiChefs will be responsible for strategising, planning and executing a comprehensive social media strategy and elevating the brand’s presence through creative assets, said the company in a statement. “The agency focuses on identifying best-suited influencers in the digital arena for the brand’s upcoming campaigns to gather visibility and boost brand recognition by leveraging the power of social media platforms,” it added.
“We feel immensely happy to be partnering with Ram Bandhu in carving their social media journey,” stated DigiChefs co-founder Deep Mehta. “We aim to help the brand connect with renowned influencers in the digital space and conceptualise innovative campaigns to increase engagement and create a stronger connection with their targeted consumer base.”
“We look forward to taking the social media marketing of our flagship brand Ram Bandhu to newer heights in association with a dynamic creative agency like DigiChefs,” said ESFL director Anand Rathi on the business association.
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.
