Coldplay tickets row: Mumbai Police ask BookMyShow to prevent black-marketing

MUMBAI: Amid mounting complaints over issues in securing tickets for high-demand events, Maharashtra’s cyber wing has issued a formal notice to the ticketing platform BookMyShow, urging enhanced consumer protections such as the introduction of name-based tickets.

The directive follows a wave of grievances from fans struggling to purchase tickets to prominent events, particularly the much-anticipated Coldplay concert slated for January 2025.

An official stated that complaints highlighted problems like unresponsive websites during crucial booking periods. This often results in tickets being sold on the black market at inflated prices.

"There are increasing number of complaints across online forums and social media about problems faced in booking tickets of such high-profile concerts and events through online platforms," the official said. He added that tickets are sometimes resold at "10 times the original price."

The Maharashtra cyber wing argues that existing countermeasures on ticketing platforms are inadequate to address these concerns.

In a further push for reform, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay high court, calling for comprehensive guidelines to curb black market sales and scalping, with the Coldplay ticketing experience cited as a key example.

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