MAM
Komal Kakkar heads to HP India as head of corporate communications
MUMBAI: It’s been some journey for Komal Kakkar. She began her career in 2008 as a PR executive in the Grasshoppers after completing her post graduate diploma in advertising and PR, pulic relations and image management from the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communications. Today she’s perched right on top at multinational tech firm HP India as the head of corporate communications.
The young professional who familiarised herself with German by studying it for three years at the Max Mueller Bhavan, was with Samsung Electronics in corporate communications for more than five years based in Gurgaon. She resigned in January 2024 and took time off to introspect. (Wish we all could have the courage to do that!)
Prior to Samsung, Komal spent seven years and more at Apollo Munich Health Insurance Co where her knowledge of German would have been handy. She also got herself communication agency exposure by working as a senior management associate at Ipan Hill & Knowlton between 2008 and 2010.
Komal, who carries her positivity openly, said on Linkedin: “The year 2024 has been super special. After an enriching sabbatical filled with many adventures, a yoga certification, bucket-list travels, meeting some incredible people on the way, and self-discovery, I’m happy to share that I’ve joined HP as the Head of Communications for India. This time away was transformative—it gave me the space to reflect, rejuvenate, and return with a fresh perspective. I’m thrilled to channel this newfound energy into creating impactful communication strategies for HP, a brand with the vision to create technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere.”
All we can say to Komal, is more power to you!
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.
