Bombay High Court Dismisses PIL on Ticket Scalping Following Coldplay Concert Controversy

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | January 10, 2025 | News

BookMyShow Coldplay Live Nation

The Bombay High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking stricter regulations to address ticket scalping and black marketing of online tickets for major events. The PIL had been filed in response to concerns raised during the sale of Coldplay concert tickets in Mumbai.

The Bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, stated that the issues raised in the PIL involved matters of policy and legislation, which fall under the jurisdiction of the executive and legislative branches.

“You are inviting us to enter into the policymaking domain. You are also asking us to begin a regulatory measure. We will ask the State to consider grievances. We have our own well-defined ambit,” the Court observed during an earlier hearing.

The PIL was filed by Amit Vyas, founder-partner at Vertices Partners, following allegations of unethical ticketing practices during the sale of Coldplay concert tickets for shows scheduled in January 2025. Vyas highlighted the widespread use of bots and automated systems that allow scalpers to secure large numbers of tickets within seconds.

Tickets for the concert, which were released on September 22, 2024, on BookMyShow, sold out in 30 minutes. Many consumers reported being unable to purchase tickets due to being logged out of the platform or facing system errors. Shortly after, tickets appeared on secondary market sites at prices significantly higher than their original value.

Vyas alleged that event organizers, including BookMyShow and Live Nation, might be complicit in reselling tickets through secondary market agents. He also filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police, alleging non-cooperation from the parties involved.

The Court clarified that while it recognized the issues raised, it could not enter the policymaking domain. It suggested that Vyas approach the State government or other competent authorities with his concerns.

The Bench reassured that law enforcement agencies are fully capable of addressing any criminal activities, stating that they do not require third-party cooperation to act on such matters.

The PIL contended that ticket scalping violates consumer protection laws and fundamental rights, including the right to equality and access to public entertainment. It called for the establishment of clear guidelines to prevent ticket scalping, the formation of an expert committee, including a retired judge and a cyber expert, to recommend solutions for regulating online ticket sales, and robust legislative measures to address the use of bots and other unethical practices in ticket sales. The PIL also argued that such practices harm government revenue and exploit fans, highlighting the need for stricter controls to protect consumers.

In response to the public outcry, BookMyShow has filed an FIR against unknown individuals and is considering canceling tickets purchased through unethical means. The Court emphasized that Vyas is not prevented from approaching the appropriate state authorities with his grievances.