Bombay High Court Strikes Down Maharashtra’s Ban on Online Ticket Convenience Fees

In a significant win for consumers and online ticketing platforms, the Bombay High Court has overturned Maharashtra’s orders that prohibited the levying of convenience fees on online ticket purchases. This decision brings much-needed clarity to the online ticketing landscape and potentially impacts how other states approach these fees.

What led to the ban?

Maharashtra had previously implemented a ban on these fees, arguing they placed an undue burden on consumers. The state government believed these additional charges were unfair and sought to protect consumers from what they perceived as exploitative pricing practices.

Why did the court overturn the ban?

The Bombay High Court, after hearing arguments from both sides, ruled against the ban, potentially citing the argument that online ticketing platforms provide a valuable service and are entitled to charge a reasonable fee for their services. The court’s decision recognizes the convenience and accessibility these platforms offer consumers.

Impact of the decision

This ruling is expected to have a ripple effect across the country, as other states may now re-evaluate their own policies regarding online ticket convenience fees. It affirms the right of online ticketing platforms to charge for their services while simultaneously ensuring consumers can continue to benefit from the convenience of online booking.