Brands
Hair to the Throne with SpongeBob and KT Kids’ new shampoo showstopper
MUMBAI: Tangles, tears, and toddler tantrums every parent knows the struggle. But now, there’s a new hair hero in town, and he lives in a pineapple under the sea. In a first-of-its-kind move, KT Professional, India’s leading salon-grade haircare brand, has partnered with JioStar Consumer Products to launch KT Kids, India’s first paediatric-approved, dermatologically tested, natural haircare range for children aged 3 to 12. Adding a splash of fun to the formula? None other than Spongebob Squarepants, who lends his goofy grin to this vibrant new collection.
Launched during Mother’s Day week, KT Kids is a tribute to modern parenting especially for mothers who juggle style, safety, and snags on a daily basis. Addressing real concerns like dryness, tangling, and scalp sensitivity, the KT Kids line is free of toxins and crafted with age-specific formulations for children aged 3–7 and 8–12.
This is not just another FMCG product drop, it’s a celebration of care, created to take the stress out of everyday grooming rituals. With Spongebob’s cheerful face on the label and science-backed ingredients inside, the range delivers joy in both packaging and performance.
“We are proud to launch KT Kids, a category-defining range that solves everyday hair care problems for children using a safe, fun, and trusted approach,” said KT Kids founder Dhruv Sayani. “We are happy to have associated with JioStar Consumer Products and add the joy of SpongeBob SquarePants to the product range. KT Kids is our Mother’s Day tribute, a gift of safety, love, and care to mothers across India. It’s a game-changer for the Indian market”
“SpongeBob SquarePants is an iconic global franchise and a favourite among audiences in India. This association is a shining example of blending a thoughtfully curated product range with a beloved character that evokes nostalgia, fun, and cheer making it emotionally meaningful,” said a JioStar Consumer Products spokesperson.
The range includes shampoos, conditioners, detangling sprays, and daily essentials, all developed with input from dermatologists and designed with children’s unique needs in mind. Products will be available on leading e-commerce platforms and retail outlets across India, making it easy for parents to pick the best for their little ones.
With this launch, KT Kids doesn’t just enter the market, it defines a new category: haircare that’s safe, smart, and SpongeBob-approved.
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.
