Diljit Dosanjh Concert: Delhi HC Issues Notice To Centre, Zomato Over Ticket Scalping

The high court has sought a response from Centre on the petition seeking action against the 'ticket scalping' for music concerts. 

Ticket scalping is the practice where bots buy a large number of tickets for the purpose of reselling them at inflated prices

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The Delhi High Court has issued notice to Centre, and ticketing platforms Zomato, Stubhub, Viagog, etc in a PIL seeking action against illegal practice of 'ticket scalping' for music concerts by famous celebs and bands like Diljit Dosanjh, Coldplay and Karan Aujla.

The high court has sought a response from Centre on the petition seeking action against the 'ticket scalping' for music concerts. 

What Is Ticket Scalping?

Ticket scalping is the practice where bots buy a large number of tickets for the purpose of reselling them at inflated prices for profit. The PIL has been moved by one Rohan Gupta, who contends that this practice was widely seen during the ticket bookings for concerts of famous Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh as well as for Coldplay concerts recently.

Terming the practice of ticket scalping "illegal, manipulative and exploitative practice," the PIL seeks constitution of a  committee to look into this practice of ticket scalping. It further prays for formulate guidelines to stop black marketing of tickets and to bring the practice of online booking within the purview of law. The PIL states that resellers engage in unethical practice of ticket scalping and thus make events less accessible to genuine fans.

"Such events are often meant to unite communities, foster cultural appreciation, and provide joy across social strata, but scalping turns them into exclusive experiences for those who can pay inflated prices. This further widens the gap between different socioeconomic groups, eroding the sense of fairness in access to entertainment," the PIL states. 

A Bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela heard the plea on Wednesday.

The high court remarked that the usage of bots in blocking tickets suggests that there might be collusion between parties.

The case has been listed for further hearing on February 18, 2025.