The Delhi High Court has upheld the Indian government’s temporary restriction on Telegram services in India, rejecting the messaging platform’s challenge against the order. The restriction was imposed ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination amid concerns that Telegram was being used to circulate fake exam papers and fraudulent material.
What happened?
The Indian government temporarily blocked access to Telegram across India from June 16 to June 22, 2026.The action was taken after concerns raised around the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy and misuse of Telegram channels to spread fake papers, scams, and misleading information.
The restriction was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which allows blocking of online platforms in certain situations.
Delhi High Court’s decision
Justice Tejas Karia of the Delhi High Court upheld the government’s decision, saying the authorities had followed the legal process and that the temporary restriction was justified to protect the integrity of the national medical entrance examination.
The court rejected Telegram’s argument that the ban was excessive and allowed the temporary blocking order to continue.
Why did the government block Telegram?
According to authorities:
Some groups allegedly used Telegram to distribute fake NEET question papers.
The platform’s features, including messaging and editing capabilities, were cited as tools that could be misused to create confusion around leaked-paper claims.
The government said the restriction was a preventive step before the NEET re-exam.
Telegram’s response
Telegram challenged the order in court, arguing that:
A small number of users misusing the platform should not punish millions of normal users.
Blocking the entire service affects free speech and access to information.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticised the move, saying ordinary users were affected while bad actors could shift to other platforms.
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