MAM
Lendingkart brings Ram Deshpande on board as head of marketing
Mumbai: Fintech company Lendingkart Technologies Pvt Ltd on Tuesday brought Ram Deshpande on board as senior vice president and head of marketing.
In his new role, Deshpande will be responsible for varied brand-building activities across traditional and digital marketing communications for Lendingkart Group as well as campaigns around its vast product portfolio targeting a wide range of customers and partners, said the statement.
“We are excited to welcome Ram to head Lendingkart marketing function, contributing to the company’s vision of financial inclusion of MSMEs segment by building a digital E2E financial ecosystem collaboration through ‘2gthr’ platform,” said Lendingkart co-founder and CEO Harshvardhan Lunia. “Ram brings deep insights, vast experience and an excellent track record in brand building and marketing communications which will enhance Lendingkart’s unique position amongst customers and partners through its marketing campaigns.”
A seasoned marketing professional, Deshpande brings nearly 20 years of experience in varied industries such as advertising, marketing, digital, e-commerce, and technology research services. Till recently, he was leading digital services for Cheil Worldwide (Samsung Group) wherein he worked on multiple advertising and communication campaigns for mobile phones, consumer electronics, and other product categories of Samsung India.
“In a short span of time, Lendingkart has made strong strides to improve access to working capital for millions of entrepreneurs across the country,” said Deshpande on his new role. “As the company readies for its next phase of tech-driven growth, I am delighted to play a part in shaping the brand journey of the company addressing new and existing customers, MSMEs, and partners.”
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.
