Messaging platform Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Central government's decision to temporarily ban the app in India ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination. The company has argued that the restriction is disproportionate and adversely affects millions of legitimate users across the country. The matter is listed for an urgent hearing before the bench of Justice Tejas Karia on Wednesday.
The ban comes in the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination, which was cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) following allegations related to question paper leaks. The re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21. Ahead of the test, the NTA had recommended a temporary restriction on Telegram until June 22, citing concerns over the spread of misinformation and claims related to question leaks.
Acting on the recommendation, the Centre on Tuesday invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to block access to Telegram in India. Defending the move, NTA Director Abhishek Singh said, "The restrictions have been imposed to ensure that the examination is conducted fairly. We will not allow any mistakes this time."
According to the NTA, the objective of the restriction is not to prevent the circulation of leaked question papers but to curb the spread of false claims and misleading information regarding leaks. The agency has maintained that several Telegram channels have been used to circulate unverified content that could create confusion among candidates.
In its petition before the High Court, Telegram has contended that the blanket ban disproportionately impacts lawful users and businesses that rely on the platform for communication. The company has sought immediate relief, arguing that the government's action affects millions of users who have no connection to any alleged misuse of the service.
The platform has also been under scrutiny in the past over allegations related to illegal financial transactions, online gambling activities and the use of fake accounts. In August 2024, the Indian government ordered an investigation into some of these allegations. The same year, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested at Le Bourget Airport in France in connection with allegations linked to illegal financial activities. He was subsequently released on bail by a French court.
Reacting to the ban, Durov criticised the government's decision, stating, "The government has punished 150 million Indians who use our app." A day later, Telegram formally moved the Delhi High Court, setting the stage for a legal challenge to the Centre's order.
