Delhi HC Takes Up PIL Against 'Ticket Scalping' Amid Coldplay, Diljit Concerts

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the practice of "ticket scalping," where event tickets are bought and resold at inflated prices.

The petition comes in the wake of recent high-profile music concerts, including performances by Coldplay and singers Diljit Dosanjh and Karan Aujla.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela has sought responses from both the Union and Delhi governments, scheduling the next hearing for February 18.

Filed by Rohan Gupta, a professional offering photography and videography services, the PIL calls for the creation of guidelines to combat the black marketing of event tickets. In the absence of specific regulations, Gupta argues that ticket scalping should be brought under the purview of existing laws. He is represented by advocates Gaurav Dua, Jatin Yadav, and Daksh Gupta.

The petition also requests the formation of a committee to examine ticket scalping and proposes clear guidelines to prevent unauthorized resellers from engaging in illegal ticket sales.

During the hearing, Delhi Government counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi pointed out that the issue is addressed under Section 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. This provision deals with petty organized crime, including unauthorized ticket sales, theft, cheating, and other illicit activities carried out by individuals or groups.