AMIT VYAS Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, invoking jurisdiction of this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeks a writ of mandamus directing respondent Nos.1 to 3 to take cognizance of online ticketing scams and black marketing, and to frame effective and comprehensive laws, rules, and regulations to prevent the practices of ticket scalping, touting, and black marketing concerning the sale of tickets for 'major events'. The petitioner further prays for the constitution of an expert committee to study and recommend measures to control and regulate the online sale of tickets for such events.

(2.) The petitioner specifically draws attention to substantial irregularities and illegalities alleged to have occurred in the online sale of tickets conducted on 22/9/2024 for the concert "COLDPLAY: Music of the Spheres World Tour", scheduled for January 2025. Based on these allegations, the petitioner seeks directions for reconvening the online sale of tickets, if necessary.

(3.) The petitioner is a practicing Advocate and claims locus standi by invoking the doctrine of public interest litigation to bring to light grievances impacting a large Sec. of the public. Respondent Nos.5 and 6 are companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956. Respondent No.4 is a globally renowned live entertainment company responsible for organizing and hosting international concerts. Respondent No. 6 is a group company of respondent No.5 and acts as a liaison for promoting live entertainment events in India. The petitioner alleges that an online ticketing scam pertaining to the "COLDPLAY: Music of the Spheres World Tour" Concert 2025, necessitated the filing of the present PIL petition. It is alleged that respondent No. 4, as the global ticketing partner for the Coldplay tour, collaborated with respondent Nos. 5 and 6 and awarded exclusive ticketing rights to "BookMyShow" for the Indian leg of the tour.