Court Dismisses Platform's Challenge
Delhi High Court Judge Tejas Karia on Friday rejected Telegram's appeal against the Indian government's temporary ban, ruling that the measures were proportionate and followed legal procedure. The messaging app will remain blocked until June 22, the day after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates medical exam retake scheduled for June 21. The ban has taken the app offline and removed it from app stores, marking the most high-profile court clash between a global tech giant and the Indian government this year.
Why the Government Blocked Access
India's IT ministry blocked Telegram this week over concerns that channels on the app were selling alleged copies of NEET-UG exam questions ahead of the retest. India's Attorney General R. Venkataramani told the court that Telegram had grown into a "Frankenstein" because of its architecture, allowing criminals to use it much like the dark net to pursue illegal activities. The government argued that even fake exam questions would defraud candidates and that nations must be allowed to take preventative measures before damage occurs.
Telegram removed more than 900 links involving unlawful exam-related content from its platform. The company challenged the government's account in court filings, calling it "one-sided and inaccurate" and saying the government "deliberately" omitted details of the company's proactive processes. Telegram argued that its treatment was unfair and disproportionate, contending that all users were being disadvantaged due to the actions of a few.
The Exam Context
The original NEET-UG exam in early May drew about 2.2 million students but was canceled after the question paper was allegedly leaked. The retest comes amid intense scrutiny of exam security. The Indian Air Force has conducted nearly 200 sorties over three to four days using Mi-17 helicopters and transport aircraft to deliver sealed question papers to 18 zones across India, a measure aimed at guaranteeing foolproof, time-bound delivery.
The exam cancellation sparked severe backlash. The National Testing Agency, responsible for public entrance exams in India, told students to "stay calm, rest well, and focus" ahead of the retest, assuring them that the test's integrity was their highest priority. Critics and students remain skeptical. One social media user replied to the agency's statement: "Every year it's the same promises: 'safe, secure and fair.' Students want results, not statements."
