MAM
Vivek Bhargava is Grand Jury Chair for 2018 DMA ASIA ECHO
MUMBAI: Digital veteran and CEO of Denstu Aegis Network Performance Group, Vivek Bhargava has been appointed as Chair of the Grand Jury of the upcoming DMA International ECHO Awards’ Asia edition. For the record, the DAN Performance Group, which is part of Dentsu Aegis Network,comprises DAN Consult, iProspect India, SVG Columbus and Merkle Sokrati.
Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Bhargava, CEO – DAN Performance Group said, “There are many awards out there. The ECHO since 1929 exceptionally stands out. Previously Indian entrants were devoid of showcasing great work at global arena due to prohibitive fees. The program will see the best of the best shine as we have stalwarts from the industrywho will preside the jury groups. I am looking forward to great work being showcased and the best rewarded for fame in India & globally.”
From across India, nearly 150 brands have sent in the entries for 30+ categories. DMA Asia, the conducting body for the Asian edition of the ECHO awards, has announced the key appointments for the program.
Speaking about the appointment of the Jury Chair, Vatsal Asher – Governor for the InternationalECHO & CEO, DMAi said, “It is indeed my privilege to be supported by an eminent & experienced Jury chairperson. The local ECHO with its benefits enable the great work done by brands and agencies compete with global campaigns. The ECHO represents the highest standard of marketing effectiveness and the ASIA ECHO is the stepping stone for global greatness.”
Entrants of the 2018 DMA ASIA ECHO can participate via four entry groups namely Sectors, Channel, Craft & Special awards that allow entries to multiple categories. They will also receive deep subsidies, extended deadlines, winners fast track to the final round and a host of market suited specific bouquet of local benefits including round the year learning & networking events.
Winners of international shows as well as shows from India run by the Ad Club (Abby, EMVIE, EFFIE ), Kyoorius, Campaign India Digital Crest, e4M IDMA awards, Afaqs award were entitled to enter at early bird prices & also fast track to R2 at the ASIA ECHO edition improving their chances of winning significantly.
Over 140 senior marketing & advertising professionals have reviewed the campaigns in the screening, scoring & ranking rounds to arrive at the shortlists. The grand jury meets on 12 September at Equus Club, St Regis to review the finalists for the voting of the Grand Prix in each channel of entry and the coveted Diamond Award. These results paly a big role in determining the Client, Marketer & Agency of the year.
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.
