MAM
Sony Pictures Networks India partners with The Indian Performing Right Society
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), has entered into a licensing agreement with The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), thereby being able to mine the IPRS music bank for its broadcast and digital business verticals in India.
With access to music comprising millions of works from authors, composers and music publishers, SPN has taken the lead in promoting an organized music licensing industry in the country.
The IPRS is India’s only copyright society, registered under the Copyright Act of 1957, authorized to carry out the copyright business for musical and literary works (lyrics), associated with members comprising authors (lyricists), music composers and music publishers.
Sony Pictures Networks India general counsel Ashok Nambissan said, “With this licensing agreement, we fortify our endeavor to remain a
network of choice for the creative workforce in our country.”
IPRS chairman Javed Akhtar said “This is welcome news. I would like to congratulate both SPN and IPRS for working collaboratively. The creative community welcomes Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) to IPRS as a licensee and I look forward to this relationship being
strengthened further.”
IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam adds “We welcome Sony Pictures Networks India into the IPRS family of licensees. We are excited about our new partnership. We commend SPN’s mature approach to doing business and look forward to a successful partnership. IPRS is committed to working
cooperatively and closely with its licensee partners, their continued success is important for IPRS and all its members.”
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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.
