Coldplay Concert Case: Maharashtra Cyber Cell Cracks Down on Black Marketing, Mandates Name Printing on Tickets

Maharashtra Cyber Police has taken a big step to stop black marketing of tickets in big events like Cold Play. The department has directed major ticketing platforms like BookMyShow and Zomato to ensure that ticket buyers' names are mandatorily printed on tickets for large-scale events like the Coldplay concert in the future.

Maharashtra Cyber Cell Chief Yashasvi Yadav stated that during major events, instances have come to light where people purchase tickets in bulk and sell them at inflated prices through various platforms, including social media. Following an investigation, the Cyber Cell summoned officials from BookMyShow and Zomato to issue necessary directives.

Yadav further informed that Maharashtra Cyber Cell is preparing to release a white paper on this issue, which is being formulated with inputs from all ticketing platform operators. The white paper will serve as a legal document outlining the technical changes required for ticket sales and operations on ticketing platforms.

Additionally, Yadav stated that officials from both platforms have been instructed to sell tickets for high-demand events, like the Coldplay concert, under the buyer’s name. This move aims to curb black marketing. Moreover, attendees will be required to present a government-issued ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license) at the concert venue. Entry will be granted only if the name on the ticket matches the ID card.

The action comes after a lawyer filed a complaint regarding ticket black marketing for the Coldplay concert scheduled from January 19 to 21, 2025. The complainant highlighted that tickets originally priced at ₹2,500 were being resold through third-party platforms for as high as ₹3 lakh.