Ahead of the highly anticipated Coldplay concert in India in January 2025, Maharashtra police have urged the online ticketing platform BookMyShow to enforce strict measures to prevent ticket scalping. These measures include the sale of name-based tickets to ensure that genuine fans can secure official tickets rather than being forced to purchase them at exorbitant prices on the black market.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Maharashtra’s cyber police issued the notice to BookMyShow after receiving a large number of complaints from fans on online forums and social media. According to officials, fans faced numerous difficulties booking tickets for major concerts through online platforms. Many fans reported that these websites frequently became unresponsive during crucial booking periods, leading to scalpers reselling tickets at inflated prices, sometimes up to 10 times the original price.
This issue became particularly prominent when tickets for Coldplay’s upcoming concert in Navi Mumbai went on sale on BookMyShow in September. As soon as the tickets were announced, BookMyShow’s website experienced a massive surge in traffic, causing system overloads. Fans took to social media to report being unable to access the site or complete their bookings. Some suspected fraud and exploitation of the ticketing rush, with ticket prices in secondary markets skyrocketing.
Urgent Need to Curb Ticket Scalping
To address this situation, Maharashtra police are requiring BookMyShow to implement name-based ticket sales, meaning tickets can only be used by individuals whose names match those registered on the system, thus reducing the ability to buy tickets in bulk and resell them at inflated prices. An official from Maharashtra’s cyber police stated, “We recognize that the current measures taken by online ticket platforms are insufficient to prevent ticket scalping and protect fan rights. This issue affects not only Coldplay but many major entertainment events.”
Here's ads banner inside a post
In addition to the notice, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court, requesting guidelines to control ticket scalping and illegal resale at large events. This lawsuit came in response to alleged irregularities during ticket sales for Coldplay’s concert. The petitioners highlighted various irregularities and violations in ticket distribution for major events such as concerts and live shows.
The State of the Black Market for Tickets in India
Ticket scalping for large events like Coldplay’s concert has become a persistent problem in India, as online ticketing platforms struggle to manage high traffic and provide fair access to tickets. Despite advances in technology, several technical issues and loopholes remain, allowing scalpers to profit from the ticket frenzy. This situation has left genuine fans facing difficulties in obtaining tickets at reasonable prices and often resorting to purchasing tickets at exorbitant rates on the black market.
Reports indicate that on Coldplay’s ticket release day, prices on the black market soared to 8-10 times the original price, fueling anger among fans and prompting calls for action from authorities. One fan shared on social media, “I was waiting all morning to buy a ticket, but as soon as I accessed BookMyShow, the system crashed, and I couldn’t continue. In the end, I had to buy a ticket from the black market at triple the price. It’s just unfair to those who want to see the concert.”
Here's ads banner inside a post
New Advances in Event Ticketing Management
The intervention of Maharashtra police in managing tickets for Coldplay’s concert has sent a strong message to ticketing platforms and scalpers alike. The requirement for name-based ticket sales helps protect buyers and prevents excessive resale on unofficial platforms. This step also enhances transparency and fairness in ticket distribution for major entertainment events.
Additionally, Maharashtra’s cyber police are working with event management organizations to ensure ticketing systems are improved, with measures in place to handle surges in traffic. Suggestions such as identity checks, purchase limits per buyer, and waiting lists for fans are also being considered to curb scalping.
Public Reaction and Hopes for a Fairer Ticket Market
This action from Maharashtra police has garnered support from the Coldplay fan community and the public at large. Many hope this will be a turning point in controlling ticket scalping not only for Coldplay but for other large entertainment events in the future. One fan commented, “We just want a fair chance to enjoy music without being forced into black market prices. I hope ticket platforms will improve to protect buyer rights.”
For Coldplay, the upcoming concert in Navi Mumbai is one of the most anticipated events of 2025, with millions of fans in India eagerly awaiting this moment. However, alongside the excitement are challenges in ensuring fair access for true fans. The involvement of Maharashtra police demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting public interest and creating a fairer, more transparent ticket market.
Going forward, ticket platforms like BookMyShow will need to closely collaborate with authorities and upgrade their systems to meet the growing demand from the public while preventing scalping and taking advantage of fans’ love for music.
