look news india
MUMBAI – While reserving orders on a PIL seeking regulation against the black market of online tickets for concerts and other events, the Bombay High Court today orally observed that the petition sought to enforce something like Which is not the work of the judiciary but of the government.
The court said that you are asking the government to issue such instructions which will create an environment where such things do not happen. Making policy in this regard is the basic function of the state government.
The court orally said that other remedies were also available. In case of ticket black marketing or scam, the applicant can lodge an FIR. The court said that if the police do not register an FIR then the complainant can approach the magistrate. In case of consumer complaint, the petitioner can seek remedy under the Consumer Protection Act.
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Hon. The petitioner’s petition was being heard before Borkar’s bench. Emphasis was laid on making rules to curb online ticket black market, bulk ticket booking and brokerage practices.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that since there is no law for these matters, ticket black marketers are taking advantage of it. The petition also said that with the help of cyber experts, a committee can be formed and suggestions can be given for specific rules to remove the loopholes in the law.
The counsel further said that the State and Central Governments are involved in taxation on public entertainment programmes, therefore it is the right of consumers to enjoy entertainment under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Black market agents book tickets in large numbers within seconds and the public is unable to get tickets from primary websites. Such tickets are sold in the black market at high prices. Since public events are held in stadiums, 28 percent entertainment tax is levied on its tickets.
The lawyer argued that while imposing tax, it is the duty of the government to ensure that tickets for such entertainment are not sold in the black market and the public is not cheated by such black marketeers. However, the Chief Justice said that tax is not an amount taken in return where the customer expects anything to the contrary.
The court reiterated that the petitioner can file a complaint with the police authority against such practice. The lawyer replied that there is a complaint in the Economic Offenses Wing but due to non-cooperation the complaint is pending. The Chief Justice therefore held that the state criminal agency was not so weak that it could not compel third parties to cooperate. With this comment, the court adjourned for decision.
