The Delhi High Court upheld the Indian government's temporary ban on the messaging app Telegram, rejecting the platform's appeal on Friday. This decision comes ahead of NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21, 2026,aimed at curbing cheating activities associated with exam.
Justice Tejas Karia stated that the government acted within its rights under Section 69A of Information Technology Act, emphasizing that the measures taken were the least restrictive necessary. He dismissed claims from Telegram that ban was disproportionate or lacked careful consideration.
The Union government, responding to a request from the National Testing Agency (NTA), implemented the ban for one week,set to expire on June 22, 2026. The NTA described the action as a necessary response to the organized use of Telegram by cheating syndicates targeting candidates for the NEET re-examination.
In court, the government characterized Telegram as a "new dark web," arguing that its privacy features have made it a favored tool for cybercriminals and fraud networks . This assertion was supported by assessment from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C),which identified the platform as a growing hub for illicit online activities.
Senior advocate Dhruv Mehta, representing Telegram, contended that the government had not adequately justified its use of emergency powers. He questioned why specific content could not be blocked instead of restricting access to entire platform. “The order says it is in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India. An examination like NEET will affect the sovereignty and integrity of India? What is the application of mind?” he argued.
The court's ruling emphasizes the balance between national security and the rights of digital platforms,a debate that continues to evolve in India as authorities grapple with the challenges posed by technology and online misconduct.
