Maharashtra Cyber Cell Mandates Buyer Names on Tickets for Events – Ticketing Platforms Take Note!
by EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | February 13, 2025 | News
Maharashtra Cyber Zomato BookMyShow
In response to the controversy surrounding the recent Coldplay concert, Yashasvi Yadav, Chief of Maharashtra Cyber Cell, has issued a directive to online ticketing platforms such as BookMyShow, Zomato, Skillbox, Paytm Insider, and more to print buyers' names on tickets for major events.
This initiative aims to prevent black marketing and ensure fair ticket distribution. Additionally, attendees will now be required to present a government-issued ID along with their ticket for entry. This move is part of a broader effort to regulate ticket sales more efficiently and enhance transparency in the system. A white paper will outline legal and technical measures for ticket regulation.
Here’s an insightful take from Yashasvi Yadav, Chief of Maharashtra Cyber Cell, as he shares his expert perspective on the matter.
Speaking to EVENTFAQS Media about the mandate, Anmol Kukreja, Co-Founder and CEO, SkillBox said, "Maharashtra Cyber’s recent directive requiring ticketing platforms to print buyers’ names on tickets for major events is a much-needed step towards curbing black marketing and ensuring fair ticket distribution. Beyond this, it also enhances overall safety and security at large-scale gatherings—a concern that continues to grow with the increasing scale of live events. However, while this is a progressive move, it also raises operational considerations for event organizers. Validating tickets against ID cards at entry points is still not consistently foolproof across all events. This mandate will require organizers to significantly strengthen their on-ground verification processes to ensure smooth implementation."
Kukreja further added, "Additionally, there are open questions around band deliveries and resales—particularly when wristbands or physical passes are distributed ahead of time. If a buyer resells their band, controlling and verifying its authenticity remains a challenge. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that combines personalization, digital verification, and stricter gate checks to close these loopholes. While challenges exist, this mandate is undeniably a step in the right direction. It lays the groundwork for a more transparent and secure ticketing ecosystem, and with proper collaboration between ticketing platforms, organizers, and authorities, it has the potential to reshape the future of event access in India."
The new mandate is expected to significantly curb the resale of tickets at inflated prices, addressing a growing concern in the entertainment and sports sectors.
The new mandate is expected to significantly curb the resale of tickets at inflated prices, addressing a growing concern in the entertainment and sports sectors.