Telegram returns to India after week-long ban

Russian messaging platform Telegram began returning to service in India on Tuesday after a week-long Government ban expired, with the app reappearing on Google’s Play Store while remaining unavailable on Apple’s App Store for several hours. The platform had already become accessible to some existing users early on Tuesday morning before Google formally restored downloads. Existing Telegram users on Apple iPhones, however, were able to use the messaging service.

However, some users continue to face issues accessing chats or sending messages even after the restrictions have been lifted. In many cases, a simple app refresh process appears to resolve the problem.

The Government had imposed a blanket ban on Telegram and its associated web services until June 22, citing the platform’s failure to curb the circulation of leaked and fake National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) examination papers, misleading content and other fraudulent activities linked to the country’s medical entrance examination process.

Telegram had challenged the temporary blocking order before the Delhi High Court. However, the court ruled on Friday that the restrictions were lawful, proportionate and necessary to safeguard the integrity of a national medical entrance examination.

The court also rejected Telegram’s contention that the Government had acted arbitrarily or failed to follow due process. Before imposing the ban, officials met Telegram representatives on June 3 and flagged concerns over the platform’s role in the spread of examination-related fraud.

The Centre subsequently ordered internet service providers and app stores to block Telegram, its web version and related links until June 22. Telegram has separately been directed to disable its message-editing feature until June 30, according to Government instructions.