Delhi High Court hearing on Telegram Ban: Centre justifies action over NEET Paper leak concerns

The Delhi High Court heard arguments related to the government’s temporary restriction on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, with the Centre defending the move by citing concerns over exam paper leaks and misuse of the platform.

According to reports, the government informed the court that it possesses “shocking material” which it intends to submit as evidence to justify the restriction. The hearing comes after Telegram challenged the ban, arguing that it is disproportionate and affects millions of users across India.

The Centre has maintained that Telegram was being used by organised networks to circulate leaked exam papers and facilitate cheating in the NEET examination process. The restriction, officials said, was necessary to protect the integrity of the high-stakes national entrance test.

Telegram has approached the court seeking relief against the ban imposed ahead of the re-test scheduled for June 21, arguing that it violates digital rights and impacts legitimate users who rely on the platform for communication and education-related activities.

The court has sought responses from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of Home Affairs, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) as it examines the legality and proportionality of the government’s action.

The matter is being closely watched, as it raises broader questions around digital regulation, platform accountability, and the balance between security concerns and free expression.