MAM
ATF 2019 to present its largest market to-date
MUMBAI: In its 20th edition, the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) announces its biggest market yet with a five percent growth in market size, compared to 2018.
The expansion includes the presence of new brands such as Baidu Haokan, Google Play, GoPlay, Hoichoi, and Jio (see Annex for fuller list). 20% of buying professionals are new to ATF this year, and 40% more buyers have indicated interest to acquire digital rights.
With attendees from 55 countries and regions, the diversity of content and partnership possibilities represented reflects Asia’s rising place in the media and entertainment space, as the industry faces exciting times with several high-profile launches of OTT video platforms and mergers & acquisitions.
With speaking heavyweights revealing visions for the future, the ATF Leaders’ Summit 2019 will address how Asia aligns with the global strategies of new market powers. Industry luminaries delivering keynotes include Giorgio Stock, President of WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks, Distribution and Advertising Sales, EMEA and APAC, Gong Yu, Founder and CEO of iQIYI and Shibasish Sarkar, Group CEO of Reliance Entertainment.
Glamour also descends on ATF 2019 as celebrities from Thailand, Turkey, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, will be present in various capacities. Magician Dynamo, of the eponymous programme “Dynamo: Magician Impossible”, will entertain the ATF crowd at the official Opening Party with an exclusive performance ahead of his new programme “Project 7”. Thai superstar James Jirayu will also make an appearance to launch a new film.
“The 20th edition of ATF takes place during exciting times of a paradigm shift. With so much changes happening ahead, we expect the market to be dynamic this year, and discussions at conferences to be intense and insightful,” noted Yeow Hui Leng, Group Project Director of Reed Exhibitions, the Producer of ATF.
ATF is taking place from 3 to 6 December 2019 and is part of the Singapore Media Festival (SMF). For more information, please visit www.asiatvforum.com.
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.
