PIL Filed in Delhi High Court Against Ticket Scalping Ahead of Diljit Dosanjh's Concert

PIL Filed in Delhi High Court Against Ticket Scalping 

Ahead of Diljit Dosanjh's Concert

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court highlighting the unethical and illegal practice of ticket scalping, which refers to the resale of event tickets at inflated prices. This PIL specifically relates to the upcoming concert of renowned singer Diljit Dosanjh. The case is listed for hearing before the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court on Wednesday.

The Allegations: Unethical Reselling Practices

The petition has been moved by Rohan Gupta through a team of advocates comprising Jatin Yadav, Daksh Gupta, Gaurav Dua, and Saurabh Dua. It highlights a growing concern about the exploitation of concert-goers through ticket scalping, which has become a widespread issue in India. This unethical practice leaves genuine fans at a disadvantage while resellers profit through significant price hikes.

The petitioner references events such as the concert of popular artist Karan Aujla in July 2024 and the ticket sale for Diljit Dosanjh’s concerts, which were opened for pre-sale on September 10, 2024, followed by general sale on September 12. Tickets for events like these have been resold at inflated prices by platforms such as STUBHUB INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, VIAGOGO, and TICOMBO, which were later declared invalid by an advisory issued by Zomato Limited on September 16.

The Consequences: Unfair Practices and Exploitation

The PIL points out that these predatory practices are not only harmful to genuine concert-goers but also distort the market, creating a black market where tickets are sold at unjustified prices. This undermines the fan experience, as only those willing to pay exorbitant amounts can attend. Events like concerts and live performances are meant to bring people together and foster cultural appreciation, but ticket scalping turns them into exclusive experiences for the privileged few.

The plea also highlights the use of bots by scalpers, which allows them to hoard tickets, preventing legitimate buyers from getting their hands on tickets at face value. The manipulation of the ticketing process using unethical tactics has worsened the fan experience, creating a system where access to entertainment is limited to those with significant financial means.

Impact on Government Revenue and Legal Economy

Another crucial aspect raised in the PIL is the negative impact on government revenue. Scalping transactions often occur through informal, unregulated channels, allowing for substantial sums of money to bypass the official tax system. Additionally, entities operating in foreign countries deprive the Union of India of its rightful share of revenue, creating a shadow economy that further undermines economic regulation.

The petition argues that the lack of transparency and regulation within this ticketing ecosystem leads to counterfeit tickets and fraudulent transactions, which put consumers at even greater risk. These fraudulent activities weaken consumer trust in ticketing platforms and create hurdles for event organizers who rely on legitimate sales.

Legal and Technological Solutions: Need for Regulatory Framework

The PIL emphasizes the urgent need for a robust legal framework and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the negative effects of ticket scalping. Technological solutions are also required to promote fair ticketing practices and protect consumers. The petition calls for a transparent system where the revenue generated from ticket sales is properly integrated into the legal economy, ensuring that the benefits flow back into public services, infrastructure, and community development.

The petitioner asserts that this issue demands immediate attention from the judiciary to curb the exploitative practices and ensure fair market competition in the ticketing industry.

Conclusion

With Diljit Dosanjh's concert and several other high-profile events scheduled in India, the issue of ticket scalping has become a pressing concern. The PIL before the Delhi High Court seeks to address these exploitative practices that harm both consumers and the economy. The case brings to light the urgent need for regulation, legal intervention, and technological solutions to safeguard the rights of fans and ensure fair access to entertainment.