Telegram approaches Delhi HC day after Centres temporary ban on messaging app ahead of NEET retest
The move comes after the NEET exam was hit by allegations of question paper leaks, which led to the cancellation of millions of results last month.
PTC News Desk: A day after the Centre imposed a temporary ban on Telegram in a major crackdown on NEET paper leak fiascos, the messaging application has approached the Delhi High Court.
The matter is scheduled to be heard by the High Court later on Wednesday. This came after following recommendations by the National Testing Agency and the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
The Indian government has temporarily blocked access to the messaging app Telegram until June 22 ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 Re-examination on June 21. Authorities said the platform was allegedly being used to scam candidates and spread misleading information related to the exam.
The move comes after the NEET exam was hit by allegations of question paper leaks, which led to the cancellation of millions of results last month.
The restriction was introduced on the recommendation of the National Testing Agency. According to the NTA, the ban is temporary and applies only during the examination period and shortly afterwards.
The agency said Telegram's message-editing feature had allegedly been misused in the past to create false evidence of paper leaks. Administrators could reportedly edit old messages and replace attached files while keeping the original timestamp, making it appear as though leaked exam papers had been shared before the test.
Defending the move, the NTA said it regrets the inconvenience caused to the large number of people who rely on Telegram but believes the restriction is necessary to protect the fairness and integrity of the re-examination.
In addition to the temporary block, the government has directed Telegram to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30.