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Horoscope today, October 22: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs

Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for October 22. Aries   March 21 – April 20All is good today, especially health, which is the most important thing in life. A raise in salary is revealed. Cosmic tip: Be happy with what you have; while working for elevated future goals. Taurus   April 21 – May 20A slight breakthrough is all you need to succeed in the project. Take care of your body (you have to live in it your entire life). Cosmic tip: Make systematic decisions to simplify daily work. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Have faith in your ability since the boss has it. Introspect to understand why you are feeling the way you are. Speak less. Concentrate on work.Cosmic tip: Make time for an important conversation. Cancer June 22 – July 23Those seeking employment receive an interview call. The following karmic cycle highlights emotional and financial security. Be patient.Cosmic tip: Be ready and prepared for an opportunity (this is what ‘luck’ is all about). Leo July 24 - Aug 23Spending quality time with three family members is why you love holidays. Travel to and from the destination moves smoothly. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Be persistent to get to an extraordinary achievement.  Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23The day unfolds as planned and meetings are held on scheduled time. Don’t make an emotional choice.Cosmic tip: Regularly take 5 minute breaks to spend in quietness and solitude (to rest the mind). Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Consider what helped make a rapid rise in the organization. Make similar, or slightly different decisions. Cosmic tip: Don’t worry about perfection. Deal with what’s on hand to the best of your ability. Scorpio  Oct 23 – Nov 22A new project in another city is exciting, so prepare well for the initial meeting. Let go of unrealistic expectations.Cosmic tip: Don’t worry about losing weight. Have a diet that supports good health. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22As life gradually falls into place you are reminded of your grand-mother’s wise words; don’t spend money till you have it in hand. Don’t owe anyone money.Cosmic tip: Consult a doctor for fever. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A younger family member may decide to relocate overseas. Learning how to deal with what is out of your league speaks for persistence. Cosmic tip: Do your best even if the issue is slightly opaque. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19You thought all was going well in a relationship, when there’s a bolt from the blue. Cosmic tip: Don’t begin rushing around to fix the relationship. Wait till it’s possible to have a conversation. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Are you expecting too much from a friend who tends to be focused only on herself, plus falls back on selective memory? Cosmic tip: Don’t be afraid to give up the good for the great.

22 October,2024 12:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
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'Failure to attend Maharashtra Assembly Election duty training to result in FIR'

The Mumbai Suburban District administration has taken a firm stance against individuals who were absent from the first training session organised for the Maharashtra Assembly election duty. The training was intended for personnel appointed to work across the 26 Assembly constituencies in the district. However, several employees failed to attend the session without providing prior notice, prompting the administration to initiate disciplinary measures. The district administration has announced that it will take action against those absent employees, with plans to file criminal cases under Section 134 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This section of the Act mandates that public servants on election duty must comply with lawful orders, and failure to do so constitutes an offence punishable. The orders were issued by Mumbai Suburban District Collector Rajendra Kshirsagar after the first training session for the individuals appointed for Maharashtra Assembly election. According to officials, the training is a crucial component of Maharashtra Assembly election preparations, ensuring that all personnel are well-versed in the procedures and responsibilities associated with conducting free and fair polls. Any lapse in duty or negligence can compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Thus, the administration has decided to adopt a strict approach towards absenteeism. Authorities emphasised that the government employees were informed in advance about the training schedule and were expected to attend the session without fail. The district election office will now verify the reasons for the absences, and if found unsatisfactory, the employees concerned could face legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment. With strict measures being taken against absenteeism, the district administration hopes to send a clear message about the importance of adhering to election duty requirements. Further training sessions are scheduled in the lead-up to the polls, and officials have urged all appointed staff to attend diligently to avoid facing similar consequences.

21 October,2024 10:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun Choudhari
Sudhir Mungantiwar. File Pic/X

BJP invites suggestions from various sections for drafting manifesto

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has invited developmental suggestions from various sections of society for incorporating them in the manifesto for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly election 2024, reported the PTI. The draft plan for the "inclusive and dynamic" development of Maharashtra will be included in the manifesto. The BJP has appealed to social workers, farmers, journalists, doctors, professors, teachers, engineers, businessmen, technicians, women activists and others to submit their suggestions, BJP's poll manifesto committee president Sudhir Mungantiwar stated on Monday, according to the PTI. "You are an expert and practitioner in an important area of society. We intend to utilise your experience, knowledge, and expertise to develop Maharashtra," it said. The draft plan for all-inclusive and dynamic development is inspired by PM Modi's "spectacular achievements" in various sectors that earned India a place of honour on the global stage, the party said. The suggestions can be sent to visionformaharashtra@gmail.com and WhatsApp number 9004617157. One of the constituents of the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP has declared 99 candidates in the first list including Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule. BJP renominates three sitting MLAs from Pune city Meanwhile, in its first list for the Maharashtra assembly election, the BJP on Sunday renominated three sitting MLAs from Pune city--Madhuri Misal, state minister Chandrakant Patil and Siddharth Shirole from the Parvati, Kothrud and Shivajinagar seats, respectively. Expressing his gratitude to the party leadership, Shirole said he was confident of victory and would work even harder for the people. In Pimpri-Chinchwad city, the BJP has once again backed two-time MLA Mahesh Landge for the Bhosari assembly seat. It has given the ticket to Shankar Jagtap for the Chinchwad constituency. Shankar Jagtap, the Pimpri-Chinchwad unit chief of BJP, is the brother-in-law of sitting MLA Ashwini Jagtap. The BJP has retained 71 sitting MLAs in the first list of 99 candidates for the forthcoming state polls and also fielded kin of some regional satraps including Congress-turned-BJP politician Ashok Chavan's daughter. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, and ministers Girish Mahajan and Sudhir Mungantiwar are among the prominent faces featurin on the first list. The list includes 13 women candidates. The saffron party has retained 71 MLAs and dropped three.  (with PTI inputs)

21 October,2024 09:29 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Volunteers lent their creative charm to all paintable areas at stations

Colourful journeys for rail commuters at Currey Road, Dockyard and Masjid

To give a colourful journey experience to railway commuters at Currey Road, Dockyard Road and Masjid station and believing in the power of active citizenship to create positive change, 300 plus Ismaili Civic volunteers -from little children to seniors - were out in full force early Sunday morning, donning aprons, gloves and big smiles they set out to beautify three of Mumbai’s railways stations, viz. Currey Road, Dockyard Road and Masjid stations through wall art. The activity, a part of Project Mumbai’s ‘Hamara Station, Hamari Shaan’ (HSHS), aiming to be India's largest citizen-led public art initiative in partnership with Central Railway, wherein 13 stations, several thousand feet of space, will be beautified through artwork.  Youth volunteers, including Scouts and Guides, lent their creative charm to all paintable areas at the stations in Mumbai through the day - the ticket counters, walls along platform one, walls outside the stations, foot over bridges as well as the staircases.  “Ismaili Civic believes in responsible citizenship through action. We are delighted that so many people have enthusiastically come forward today, as proof of our commitment to improving quality of life and beautifying our city through art, is one of the ways of doing so. The impact of civic initiatives is magnified when we all come together. We can make a difference and create a beautiful space for commuters”, said Sophia Premjee, member of the Ismaili Council for India. Murad Hudda, President of the Ismaili Council for Western India said, “It is so exciting to see our stations getting spruced up. This is one of the many ways that volunteers lend their time and talent for the betterment of our city and those amongst who we live.”  “Teamwork and partnership are key to the success of this initiative. We are grateful to Project Mumbai for the collaboration with Ismaili CIVIC, and to the numerous volunteers whose efforts are visible today”, said Nazim Hamid, President of the Ismaili Council for South Mumbai. "Kuchh Pal Apney Sheher Ke Liye--a bit of your time for your city is what we at Project Mumbai are working on to make your urban environment better as well as make Mumbai the country's Kindness capital", said Shishir Joshi, founder and CEO of Project Mumbai.  HSHS, as the initiative is popularly known, involves individuals, citizen groups, organisations, corporate volunteering. HSHS is also creating livelihood opportunities to traditional, young and budding artists from Mumbai and the outskirts. 150 such young artists from townships on the outskirts of Mumbai, would benefit from the crowdfunding support and talent sharing opportunity.

21 October,2024 08:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
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Survey reveals strong support for 'Fare-Free' public transport for women

A survey conducted by Greenpeace among women commuters ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 has revealed that over 96 per cent of respondents said they would use public buses more for daily travel and intercity trips if bus services were made 'Fare-Free' for women. Greenpeace's public transport manifesto demands the introduction of 'Fare-Free' public bus transport schemes for women and transgender individuals across all state, city, and municipal-run buses in Maharashtra. Additionally, it calls for fare-free or subsidized tickets and passes for women passengers, the physically challenged, and transgender people on the Mumbai suburban railway. A remarkable 94 per cent of women expressed a desire for political parties to prioritise fare-free, safe, and reliable public bus transport in their agendas for the Maharashtra assembly polls, while 95 per cent endorsed Greenpeace's campaign for the inclusion of 'Fare-Free' public transport for women and transgender persons in the election manifestos of political parties. Nearly half of the students and women earning less than 40,000 rupees per month report daily travel by public bus. The specific travel patterns of women often make transportation more expensive for them, as they need to purchase multiple tickets for linked trips in a single journey. In the current social context of urban mobility in India, where women are disproportionately burdened with unpaid care work, the cost and frequency of public transport significantly impact women more than men. Survey Details This survey gathered opinions from women in Mumbai about the city’s public bus system and their views on a proposed 'Fare-Free' bus scheme for women. The survey also explored why some women avoid using buses, examining challenges like safety, overcrowding, and the condition of bus shelters. A total of 504 women were interviewed at 52 bus stops across Mumbai to ensure broad spatial coverage. Equal numbers of bus stops were selected from four regions: South Mumbai, Western Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs, and Harbour Suburbs.

21 October,2024 07:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
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Diwali 2024: Railways extends services of Dadar-Kazipet festival special trains

The Railways has decided to extend the services of the Festival Special Trains from Dadar to Kazipet (Telangana) to cater to the increased volume of passengers travelling during Diwali 2024.  The details of the trains are given below:07196 / 07195 Dadar-Kazipet Weekly Special (via Nizamabad, Karimnagar) (18 services) 07196 Dadar-Kazipet Weekly Special has been extended to operate every Thursday from November 28 to January 1 (Nine services)07195 Kazipet-Dadar Weekly special has been extended to operate every Wednesday from November 27 to January 29 (Nine services) The trains will halt at Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Manmad, Nagarsol, Rotagaon, Lasur, Aurangabad, Jalna, Partur, Selu, Parbhani, Purna, Hazur Sahib Nanded, Mudkhed, Umri, Dharmabad, Basar, Nizamabad, Armur, Metpally, Koratla and Ligampet Jagityal 07198 / 07197 Dadar-Kazipet Weekly Special (via Pimpalkhuti, Ballarshah) (16 services)07198 Dadar-Kazipet Weekly special has been extended to run every Sunday from December 1 to January 26 (Eight services)07197 Kazipet-Dadar Weekly special has been extended to run every Saturday from November 30 to January 25 (Eight services) The trains will halt Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Manmad, Nagarsol, Rotagaon, Lasur, Aurangabad, Jalna, Partur, Selu, Parbhani, Purna, Hazur Sahib Nanded, Mudkhed, Bhokar, Himayatnagar, Sahasrakund, Kinwat, Adilabad, Pimpalkhuti, Lingti, Kayer, Wani, Bhandak, Chandrapur, Ballarshah, Sirpur Kagaznagar, Bellampalli, Manchiryal, Peddapalli and Jamikunta  There will be no change in the timings and composition of these trains, the railways has informed. Passengers can book the tickets for trains 07196 and 07198 on special charges. The bookings will open on Tuesday, October 22, at all computerised reservation centres and on the Railways' website http://www.irctc.co.in. For detailed timings at halts of the special trains, passengers can visit http://www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in or download the NTES app. Railways reduces time limit for advance train reservation to 60 days  The Railway Board has reduced the advance reservation period of seats from existing 120 days to 60 days, an official notification said on Thursday. The reduction in time limit for advance train reservations will come into effect from November 1, it said. "It has been decided that w.e.f 01.11.2024, the existing time limit for advance reservation by trains will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days (excluding the date of journey). All bookings done up to October 31 under the ARP (Advance Reservation Period) of 120 days will remain intact. There will be no change in the case of certain day time express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express etc where lower time limits for advance reservation are, at present in force. There will also be no change in the case of a limit of 365 days for foreign tourists, a Railway Board's circular, dated Oct 16, 2024, said. The Railway advance reservation period has undergone changes from time to time. Advance Reservation Period has varied from 30 days to 120 days. Based on the experience of various periods, 60 days Advance Reservation Period has been observed as the optimal period from passengers' point of view, the officials said, adding that there will be several benefits of 60 days reservation period.     

21 October,2024 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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MVA has reached consensus on 210 seats: Sanjay Raut

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has reached consensus on 210 of the 288 assembly seats for Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, which is a "significant achievement", the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Monday, accusing the BJP was spreading misinformation, reported the PTI. The aim is to ensure the defeat of forces looting Maharashtra, he said in a swipe at the ruling alliance comprising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. "We have arrived at a consensus on 210 seats. It is a significant achievement. We aim to contest polls as a joint force and we will defeat the forces looting Maharashtra," Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP and key strategist for the Shiv Sena (UBT), told reporters, as per the PTI. The MVA comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP). Sanjay Raut's comments came amid a flurry of news channel reports that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party may break away from the MVA and contest all 288 seats on its own. The past few days have seen hectic parleys among the three main opposition parties to finalise a seat-sharing deal, with speculation doing the rounds of the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) not being on the same page. The statement from Sanjay Raut also comes amid speculation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah having a phone conservation with him, hinting at the Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP, which were allies for decades before going their separate ways in 2019, getting back together. The two parties had broken of their alliance after the 2019 assembly polls. The undivided Shiv Sena, at the time, accused the BJP of going back on a promise to share the chief ministerial tenure. The BJP has routinely denied any such agreement. Asked about the phone conversation, Sanjay Raut said, "The BJP is feeding false news. We know who is doing it. The party fears loss in the assembly polls so is spreading misinformation," according to the PTI. Sanjay Raut said the BJP engineered a split in the Shiv Sena (in June 2022), brought down Thackeray's MVA government and also ensured the party name and symbol went to the rebel faction led by Eknath Shinde. "The worst the BJP did was to give the reins of the government to traitors (a term the Uddhav group uses to describe Shinde and rebel MLAs), who have been looting the state for the past couple of years. We (Uddhav faction) have had maximum conflicts with the BJP," Sanjay Raut further said, underlining the impossibility of a rapprochement, the news agency reported on Monday. Sanjay Raut emphasised such misinformation has nothing to do with seat-sharing discussions in the MVA. Asked about some Congress leaders leaking information to the media against the Shiv Sena (UBT), Raut said he was "surprised a Congress leader can make such a comment", the PTI reported. "We will not assist the BJP, which seeks to undermine the Constitution and insult the pride of Maharashtra," Sanjay Raut asserted. Maharashtra assembly polls will be held on November 20, while results will be declared on November 23. The term of the current assembly ends on November 26. (with PTI inputs)

21 October,2024 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
First girder installed at its designated location. Pic/BMC

First girder of Carnac bridge installed, check details

The reconstructions of the Carnac bridge in south Mumbai has reached a significant milestone with the successful installation of the first girder at its designated location, an official statement said on Monday The installation marks an important development for the on going reconstruction project of the bridge that connects the historic Masjid Bunder railway station to P. D'Mello Road in south Mumbai. According to the official statement, the installation took place over the weekend, specifically during a scheduled railway mega block from midnight to 3:30 am on October 19 and 20. The Central Railway administration executed the placement of the steel girder while coordinating special traffic management and power supply arrangements to ensure safety and minimal disruption to rail services. The project has been underway due to safety concerns regarding the old Carnac bridge on Lokmanya Tilak Road, which had become hazardous for commuters. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated the bridge's reconstruction, with plans to significantly enhance transportation in the region. "The recent installation involved moving a 550 metric ton girder, spanning 70 meters, to the bridge's southern side. The important step was completed on October 14, setting the stage for the subsequent girder installation," said an official statement. It further said that under the guidance of BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, the bridge department worked in tandem with Central Railway officials to ensure the successful execution of this complex operation. The technical supervision was provided by M/s RITES Limited, as per the approved project blueprint by the Central Railway. The newly installed girder measures approximately 70 meters in length and 9.5 meters in width, weighing around 550 metric tons. The girder was initially placed in a cantilever position alongside the railway tracks, necessitating meticulous planning and execution for its transfer from east to west. "On the nights of October 19 and 20, the railway authorities conducted thorough assessments of the risks and technical aspects before proceeding with the installation. The careful planning ensured that both rail traffic and power supply were temporarily suspended, allowing for a seamless and safe installation process," it said. With the successful installation of the first girder, focus will now shift towards expediting the placement of the second girder. The project is on track to complete the work by the end of December 2024, alongside the remaining construction tasks, the statement said.

21 October,2024 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Bombay HC quashes BEST bus driver's conviction for pedestrian's death in 1997

The Bombay High Court (HC) on Monday quashed the conviction of a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport's (BEST) bus driver, who was implicated in the death of a pedestrian 27 years ago, news agency PTI reported. The court emphasised that there was insufficient evidence to support claims of rash or negligent driving against the driver. A single bench of Justice Milind Jadhav concluded that the prosecution had not proven that the accident was the result of any reckless behaviour on the part of the driver, Shivaji Karne. In its ruling, the court pointed out that no witnesses had testified to Karne speeding or running a red light. "There is no doubt that the incident has led to the death of a person, but when there is no evidence relating to rash and negligent driving, the conviction of the applicant [Karne] is not justified and warranted," the court stated. The judge also took note of the fact that Karne had rushed the victim to a hospital immediately following the incident, which further undermined the prosecution's case. The bench stated that the magistrate and sessions courts appear to have been "swayed away with emotion because of the demise of the injured". "In the present case, the prosecution has failed to establish that there was criminal rashness or culpable negligence on the part of the applicant, which would render him liable for punishment," the court concluded, ultimately quashing the previous judgments and acquitting Karne. In 2001, a magistrate's court had convicted Karne under sections 279 (rash driving) and 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code, with the sessions court affirming this conviction the following year. He was sentenced to three months of simple imprisonment, spending two months in custody before being granted bail, PTI reported. The incident in question occurred on December 2, 1997, when Karne was driving from Chira Bazaar to Crawford Market in south Mumbai. While navigating a turn at a traffic signal, he struck a man who was crossing the road. Following the collision, both Karne and the bus conductor hurried the man to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The prosecution had argued that Karne was driving in a careless manner. However, the high court highlighted that at the time of the accident, Karne was 32 years old and would now be 58. The court mandated that if he had faced suspension or dismissal owing to the conviction, he should be reinstated with back wages. If he has since retired, the BEST Undertaking was instructed to ensure that his retirement benefits are disbursed accordingly.  (With PTI inputs) 

21 October,2024 04:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Nana Patole accuses BJP of manipulating voter lists amid Maharashtra elections

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole has made serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the party is manipulating the voter list in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Speaking at a press conference, Patole accused the BJP of undermining democracy out of fear of defeat in the upcoming elections. He urged the Election Commission to remain independent and resist pressure from the central government.According to ANI, during the press conference in New Delhi, Patole stated, "We held a joint press conference the other day in Mumbai, where we highlighted these allegations. This is the truth. Fearing a defeat, the BJP is strangling the democratic system. We have provided proof to the Election Commission. EC should be alert and not become servitors to the Central Government; this is our suggestion to them." His comments reflect growing tensions as the election season approaches.As per ANI, as the Congress party prepares for the upcoming Assembly polls, Patole addressed the issue of seat sharing within the party and its alliance. He confirmed that Congress would consult with its allies before announcing the candidate list. "We will declare the first list tomorrow. More than the Maha Vikas Aghadi, there are differences in Mahayuti. The issues on 30-40 seats will be resolved. All three of us are planning to hold a press conference tomorrow. So, we will go to Mumbai tonight, where we will speak with the leaders of our allies and declare the list tomorrow—that is our plan," Patole explained.Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat mentioned that the screening of candidates was taking place and that a Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting was scheduled to discuss these important matters. "The screening (of candidates) is being done today. The CEC meeting is going to be held. It will be done soon," Thorat said.Ramesh Chennithala, Congress election in-charge for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, added that there were no significant differences within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. "There are no differences in Maha Vikas Aghadi. We are united. Talks are ongoing regarding seats, and it will be resolved soon. We have a CEC meeting today," Chennithala assured.Maharashtra is set to vote in a single phase on November 20, with results expected to be declared on November 23. In the last assembly elections of 2019, the BJP emerged victorious, winning 105 seats, while the Shiv Sena secured 56, and the Congress managed 44 seats. The 2014 elections saw the BJP win 122 seats, the Shiv Sena claim 63, and the Congress capture 42 seats.As the election draws nearer, the Congress party's accusations against the BJP and the ongoing discussions about seat sharing indicate a high-stakes battle ahead in Maharashtra's political landscape. With both parties gearing up for a tense electoral showdown, the focus will remain on how these developments unfold in the coming week.  (With inputs from ANI) 

21 October,2024 03:01 PM IST | Mumbai
Bombay High Court. File Pic

Coldplay tickets row: PIL in Bombay HC seeks guidelines against black marketing

A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking guidelines to curb black marketing and ticket scalping at major events, in the backdrop of alleged foul play during the online tickets sale for British band Coldplay's highly anticipated concert in Navi Mumbai in January 2025, reported news agency PTI. The plea was mentioned on Monday for urgent hearing before a division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar. The public interest litigation (PIL), filed by advocate Amit Vyas, said there are several irregularities and illegalities during the sale of tickets for major events, such as concerts, live shows and so on, reported PTI. Such irregularity and illegality was witnessed last month when tickets for the Coldplay concert were made available on the BookMyShow platform, he claimed in the petition. An advocate appearing for Vyas informed the HC that certain secondary websites are still selling tickets for the Coldplay concert at exorbitant prices. The bench noted that a police inquiry was on in connection with the Coldplay tickets row and posted the matter for hearing in November after the Diwali vacation. The plea sought the court to lay down stringent guidelines for prevention of black marketing, ticket touting and scalping of online tickets of such major events. Such illegal means were rampant during the IPL matches, the cricket world cup matches in 2023 and the concerts of singers Taylor Swift and Diljit Dosanjh, the PIL claimed, reported PTI. During such events, the organisers and ticketing partners exploit fans by listing the tickets on secondary ticket websites for exorbitant prices, it alleged. Such irregularities were recently seen when tickets were being sold last month on the online ticketing website BookMyShow for the Coldplay concert to be held in January 2025, the petition claimed. "The sale of online tickets was apparently manipulated by BookMyShow platform in such a manner that even before mid-noon on the day the tickets were made available, people got logged out and were not allowed to access the website for purchase of tickets," the PIL alleged, reported PTI. Within minutes, tickets of all three shows were shown as sold out on the BookMyShow portal even as tickets were later found available on a secondary website at exorbitant prices. Vyas last month filed a police complaint against the Coldplay tickets row with the city police's Economic Offences Wing and an inquiry is on into it. In the plea, Vyas said such illegal practices have deprived people of their fundamental right to have an equal opportunity to access public entertainment. "The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 mandate e-commerce entities to ensure fair and non-deceptive practices. However, in the absence of effective regulations in the ticketing sector, entities such as BookMyShow are not complying with the rules," the PIL claimed, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)

21 October,2024 02:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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