Delhi HC upheld the Centre’s temporary restriction on Telegram, citing public order concerns and the platform’s misuse by examination cheating networks
In a significant setback for Telegram, the Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the Centre’s decision to temporarily block the messaging platform in India ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.
The court rejected Telegram’s challenge to the ban, observing that the government’s actions were justified given the emergency circumstances surrounding the nationwide medical entrance examination.
Court backs Centre’s emergency measures
The bench ruled that the Centre had followed the procedure prescribed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act and noted that the measures adopted were the “least restrictive” option available under the circumstances.
“After considering all the arguments, we find that given the emergency nature, the reasons supplied are sufficient and the government has followed the procedure in Section 69A,” the court observed.
The temporary restriction will remain in place until June 22, while Telegram’s message-editing feature has been disabled until June 30.
Action linked to NEET paper leak investigation
The Centre imposed the restriction after investigations into the NEET UG 2026 paper leak allegedly revealed extensive misuse of Telegram by organised cheating syndicates.
Authorities claimed that examination-related material, payment arrangements and communication between fraud networks were being facilitated through Telegram channels.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) said the restrictions were necessary to prevent further misuse of the platform ahead of the re-examination scheduled for June 21.
Centre calls Telegram the ‘new dark web’
During the hearing, the government argued that Telegram had increasingly become a preferred platform for cybercriminals and organised fraud networks.
Officials claimed that threat actors were using Telegram channels to connect users with hidden online forums, making investigations more difficult.
The Centre specifically cited a channel named “NEET Mafia“, which allegedly circulated information related to leaked examination papers, advance booking arrangements and payment mechanisms linked to the scam.
Re-exam after nationwide controversy
The fresh examination is being conducted after the original NEET UG 2026 test was cancelled following allegations that question papers had been leaked in advance.
Investigators reportedly found evidence suggesting that leaked material was circulated through Telegram groups before the examination, prompting authorities to take preventive action ahead of the retest.
The ruling strengthens the government’s position as it attempts to prevent any repeat of the controversy that triggered one of the biggest examination scandals in recent years.
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