Karur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a fine of Rs 67,000 to compensate a fan of music director AR Rahman who missed his show due to shoddy arrangements made by the concert organisers that led to a massive traffic snarl and the stampede-like situation in the concert area.
Ashwin Manikandan, hailing from Karur, was among the eager attendees who secured tickets for AR Rahman’s “Marakkuma Nenjam” concert 2023, accompanied by his family. However, their anticipation turned into disappointment when unforeseen circumstances prevented them from experiencing the musical extravaganza. The concert, initially slated for October 12 2023, at Panaiyur near Chennai’s East Coast Road, was rescheduled to November 8 2023, due to various factors, including inclement weather.
Two times Oscar winner and famous film music composer AR Rahman’s Marakkuma Nenjam (Will the heart forget?) the concert at Paniyur, a suburb of Chennai, on September 10 2023, has turned out to be an unforgettable nightmare for his fans. The music nite was originally slated to be on August 12 2023, but was cancelled due to excessive rain. It was later announced that the concert would take place on September 10 2023, and was attended by thousands of people.
Marakkuma Nenjam, a musical concert by AR Rahman, was initially announced to be held in Chennai on August 12. However, the event was rescheduled due to heavy rains in Chennai on that day, and it happened on the outskirts of Chennai on September 10. Announced to start at 7 p.m. on the day, and entry was permitted for the event from 3 p.m. To meet expectations, the event organisers have sold tickets from Rs 2,000 to Rs 25,000 for the programme in VIP, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver categories. However, the tickets exceeded the seating arrangement, causing a stir at the venue. Many arrived in their vehicles. This reportedly caused heavy traffic at the event location. The event organisers had reportedly taken permission from the police, saying that only 25,000 people would come to the event. But around 50,000 people arrived for the event, and the crowd became uncontrollable.
The rescheduled event on November 8 was marred by disorganisation and chaos. Attendees found themselves needing to be assigned seating despite having purchased tickets, making many unable to witness the performance they had eagerly anticipated. Furthermore, the area experienced heavy traffic congestion, leading to a chaotic situation where numerous fans were caught in a stampede, causing frustration and anger among attendees.
They were outraged over the poor handling of the mega event to generate revenue in social media and media. The organisers denied all charges, including overselling of tickets. The state government kept a stoic silence.
The fans bought tickets ranging from VIP Rs.25,000, Premium Lounge Rs.50,000, General Access Rs. 500, Silver ticket Rs.1,000, Gold Ticket Rs.2000, Diamond ticket Rs.5,000 and Platinum ticket Rs. 10,000. It is alleged that the organisers sold tickets for 10,000 odd seats; over one lakh were sold. It was the main reason for the chaos; many were denied entry even with premium tickets. The fans took it to social media, alleging poor organisational planning and selling entry tickets only to make the most bucks. One Twitter handler said, “The biggest scam in 2023 # Marakkuma Nenjam – Parents lost their kids, many people fainted, many suffered blood injuries, 4-6 km away from the parking bay, many people were not allowed inside the concert area although they had passed. Organisers and police abused fans”.
But one of the affected fans, Ashwin Manikandan, a Tirupati Layout resident in Karur, took it to a consumer forum for the inconvenience he and his family had faced. Having purchased tickets worth Rs 12 thousand for the concert, Ashwin contacted the event organisers, ACTC, requesting a refund due to the schedule change. While the organisers initially assured him of a refund, it has yet to materialise.
Left with no other option, Ashwin pursued legal action by filing a case with the Karur District Consumer Grievance Redressal Commission. After investigating the matter, the commission ruled in favour of Ashwin, ordering the ACTC company to compensate him Rs 67,000. This sum included the ticket price of Rs 12 thousand, along with compensation of Rs 50,000 for the inconvenience caused and an additional 5,000 for expenses incurred during the ordeal. Now, other affected fans with similar bitter experiences will return to consumer forums to get their refund.
It is a lesson for greedy people. AR Rahman, who wants to make a quick buck by exploiting the weakness of the fans for their love for music, should end such things by taking them for a raid.
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