MAM
itel brings the essence of ‘Better life for all’ in its new campaign
MUMBAI: Homegrown smartphone brand itel has released its new festive film- ‘itel ke saath tyohaar sahi hai’ to celebrate the spirit of its customers.
Conceptualised and co-directed by CNVRSB Integrated creative head (films) Alok Pal and Hitesh Dhingra the film attempts to connect with the TG by keeping it as real as possible with slight vernacular and visual suggestions.
The film showcases how itel’s range of products starting from its latest TV and Soundbar to Smartphone and Smart Gadgets have empowered and made life better and colorful for its consumers. The ad exuberates a festive flavour while showcasing a range of products promoting the feeling of togetherness and bridging gaps.
It starts with the close group of people watching a cricket match together on TV and, then it moves on to a cab driver who is working passionately on a festive eve using the brand’s mobile while being connected with his family. The film then slides to a relaxed shopkeeper happily juggling between orders and attending customers at the shop using itel air buds and concludes with a sweet narrative of a father gifting an itel smartphone to his daughter to study online and explore the world.
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.
