MAM
Restrained spends by Indians this Diwali; most won’t burst crackers: Inshorts-Ipsos Diwali Survey Festival Offers will be key motivation for shopping
MUMBAI: Inshorts-Ipsos Diwali Poll shows that unlike the norm and the trend, Indians will not go ballistic with spends this Diwali and will be discretionary: 33% of those polled,plan to have a budget and will spend in moderation; 20 per cent will curtail spends and plan to hold back from spending completely, unless necessary; 32% are undecided; and only 15% will loosen their purse strings and have a no-holds-barred spending, this Diwali.
Notably, things are not as bad as they seem. 52% Indians say they will shop to snag great deals – for festival offers and discounts; 23% will splurge in keeping with the festive spirit; 7% will be on the look-out for new brand launches; 6% will buy for gifting; 12% on the other hand said that they were in the undecided frame of mind.
Azhar Iqubal, Co-Founder and CEO, Inshorts said, “Inshorts conducted this survey in partnership with Ipsos to map the mood of the masses around Deepawali. This survey was highly rigorous as over 1 lac Inshorts users participated in the survey and was complementary in drawing up strengths of Inshorts and Ipsos to provide a robust output.”
Krishnendu Dutta, Lead Delhi & Chennai Cluster, Ipsos India said, “Inshorts has a premium user base and the platform per se perfectly captures the views of a large, educated and connected audience.”
So, will it be a noiseless Diwali this time for the upmarket elite?
Interestingly, 59% respondents said that they (individuals or their family) would not be bursting firecrackers this Diwali; 23% would be going all out in bursting crackers; 12% would be opting for green crackers and 6% said that they were undecided.
The survey further shows that majority of respondents polled (68%) support the Supreme Court’s decision, 26% declinedand 6% were undecided.
“Clearly, two key themes seem to be emerging in the survey: cautiousness about spending and opportunistically looking forward to schemes and offers; and holding back on firecrackers with unanimous support for SC’s decision, on the same,”said Krishnendu Dutta, Delhi & Chennai Cluster Lead, Ipsos India.
Net-net – a somewhat subdued Diwali, both from a spend and sound perspective,” added Dutta.
“The undecided, are the ones sitting on the fence and will need a nudge with great offers, to shop,” commented Iqubal.
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.
