MAM
Vertices seals the deal as trio of lawyers rise to equity partner ranks
MUMBAI: It’s a case of promotion in progress at Vertices Partners, where three of the firm’s brightest legal minds have argued their way to the top. Vishal Mehta, Vikrant Anand and Rajat Agarwal have been elevated to Equity Partners, marking a milestone in the new-age, full-service law firm’s growth story across Mumbai, Gurugram and Bengaluru.
For Vishal Mehta, the first associate ever hired at Vertices, the rise caps a journey that’s seen him steer top-tier transactions and showcase steadfast leadership. Vikrant Anand has built his reputation managing domestic and cross-border deals, while also leading the NCR office and driving client delivery with aplomb. Meanwhile, Rajat Agarwal anchors the firm’s Dispute Resolution and Banking & Finance practices, heads forensics and investigations, and has earned recognition as Vertices’ go-to litigator by the Legal500 directory.
Vertices Partners founder and managing partner Vinayak Burman called the trio’s elevation “truly rewarding,” praising their blend of legal excellence, leadership and deep understanding of client needs. And the promotions don’t stop there. Vertices also confirmed the elevation of six associates across its NCR and Mumbai offices, underlining its people-first philosophy and clear career progression pathways.
With these moves, Vertices isn’t just expanding its partnership ranks, it’s making a statement: the firm’s courtroom victories are matched by wins in culture, loyalty and long-term vision.
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.
