Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how Star Web India ("we", "us", "our"), the operator of Pathanshala, collects, uses, discloses and protects information when you use our website, mobile application, or related services (the "Platform"). By using the Platform, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.

2. Information We Collect

Account information: name, phone number, email address, and password (stored in encrypted form) when you register.
Booking information: library preferences, seat selections, booking dates and times, and booking history.
Location information: your approximate or precise location, with your permission, to show nearby libraries.
Payment information: transaction details processed by our third-party payment gateway partners. We do not store your complete card, UPI or bank account details on our own servers.
Partner information: library name, address, seat count, pricing, amenities, photos and bank details for payout, if you register as a Partner.
Device & usage information: IP address, device type, browser, app version and pages visited, collected automatically to keep the Platform secure and working smoothly.

3. How We Use Your Information

To create and manage your account, and process your bookings or listings.
To show you relevant libraries and seat availability based on your location.
To send booking confirmations, reminders and updates via SMS, email, WhatsApp or in-app notifications.
To process payments and settle payouts to Partners.
To improve the Platform, prevent fraud, and provide customer support.
To comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

Library Partners, to fulfil a booking you have made with them (such as your name and booking details).
Payment gateway providers, to process transactions securely.
SMS, email and WhatsApp providers, to deliver booking-related communications.
Law enforcement or regulators, where required by applicable Indian law.
Service providers who help us operate the Platform (such as cloud hosting), under confidentiality obligations.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies on our website to remember your preferences, keep you signed in, and understand how the Platform is used so we can improve it. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not work correctly if cookies are disabled.

6. Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures, including encryption of sensitive data and access controls, to protect your information from unauthorised access, alteration or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the services, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. You may request deletion of your account as described below.

8. Your Rights & Choices

You may access, update or correct your account information at any time through the app or website.
You may request deletion of your account and associated personal data, subject to any records we are required to retain by law.
You may opt out of promotional communications while continuing to receive essential booking-related messages.

9. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for children under 16 years of age without parental or guardian involvement. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children in violation of applicable law.

10. Grievance Officer

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the rules made thereunder, the details of the Grievance Officer are provided below. If you have any concerns about how your information is handled, you may contact:

Name: Grievance Officer, Star Web India
Email: privacy@pathanshala.in
Address: Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date, and significant changes will be communicated to you where required.