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'Leaks just moved to other apps': Telegram CEO says India ban punishes ... A temporary government crackdown onTelegramahead of theNEET-UGre-examination has triggered a fresh controversy after Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticised India’s decision to restrict the platform, saying the move unfairly punishes millions of ordinary users while doing little to stop exam paper leaks. The Indian government has ordered the temporary suspension of Telegram services until June 22 as part of efforts to prevent malpractice during the June 21 re-examination of NEET-UG 2026, which is being conducted again after allegations of question paper leaks during the earlier exam held on May 3. Reacting strongly to the move, Pavel Durov took to X and criticised the blanket restriction on the platform. In a tweet, Durov said, “India’s IT ministry banned Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions. This punishes 150M+ ordinary Telegram users in India — not the insiders who leaked the exam materials. And the ban hasn’t stopped anything. The leaks just moved to other apps.” India’s IT ministry banned Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions.This puni…

India temporarily bans Telegram over exam paper leak concerns The NEET exam had earlier been scrapped over allegations of a paper leak, sparking massive protests.

Telegram moves Delhi HC against government ban ahead of NEET re-test ... Telegram has moved the Delhi High Court against the Central government’s decision to block its services across India until June 22 amid concerns linked to theNEET-UG re-examination. According to Bar & Bench, the matter was mentioned before a vacation bench of Justice Tejas Karia by advocate Madhav Khosla, who sought an urgent hearing. Taking note of the request, the Court agreed to hear the case on the same day. During the hearing, Khosla argued that the government’s action has had a massive impact on Telegram’s user base in India. He told the Court that more than 150 million users of the platform have been affected by the temporary ban. The Centre imposed the restriction after raising concerns that Telegram was allegedly being used by organised cheating networks connected to the NEET-UG controversy. The decision comes in the backdrop of the NEET-UG paper leak row. The original examination was cancelled following allegations of large-scale irregularities and the circulation of leaked question papers. According to the government, certain Telegram channels, operating under names such as “PAPER LEAKED NEET”…

Delhi HC seeks govt reply on Telegram plea against NEET exam-time ban ANI The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response from the ministries of electronics and information technology (MEITY) and home affairs and the National Testing agency ( NTA ) on messaging platform Telegram FZ-LLC’s petition challenging the government's temporary ban imposed on it ahead of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) re-examination scheduled on June 21. While refusing to grant immediate relief to Telegram against the temporary ban till June 22, Justice Tejas Karia asked the government to “place supporting documents” that led to the blocking order by Thursday. The HC will further hear the matter on Thursday at 1430 IST. The ban was imposed to prevent cheating and the spread of fake question papers ahead of the June 21 NEET examination. Telegram has also been directed to disable the message-editing feature for messages already posted till June 30. The IT ministry had also directed Telegram to disable its message editing features till June 30 and ordered the app to be removed from app stores. Subsequently, the messaging service stopped working for existing users in India even though it remain…

Telegram Challenges India's Temporary Ban in Delhi High Court Ahead of ... Telegram has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the Central Government’s decision to temporarily restrict access to the messaging platform across India until June 22, 2026. The ban, issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, was prompted by concerns over organised paper-leak rackets operating on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. With over 150 million Indian users affected by the blanket restriction, the case raises significant questions about the proportionality of platform-wide shutdowns and the procedural safeguards that must accompany blocking orders. Why Did the Government Block Telegram? The origins of this dispute lie in the troubled history of NEET examinations in India. After allegations of widespread irregularities forced the cancellation and rescheduling of the NEET-UG 2026 test, the National Testing Agency (NTA) flagged Telegram as a primary vector for organised cheating. Channels operating openly under names such as "PAPER LEAKED NEET," "Re-NEET 2026," and "Private Mafia" were reportedly demanding payments ranging from a few thous…

Telegram ban was last resort, Centre tells Delhi High Court Centre defended temporary suspension of Telegram services ahead of NEET (UG) re-examination before the Delhi High Court, citing repeated misuse for paper leaks, cyber fraud and public order risks, and emergency IT Act blocking powers were unavoidable after alternatives failed New Delhi:The Centre has defended its decision to temporarily suspend Telegram’s services across India ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination, telling the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform’s architecture and repeated misuse for examina tion-related frauds left the Union government with “no other option” but to invoke emergency blocking powers under the Information Technology Act. In a short affidavit filed before the Delhi High Court in response to Telegram’s writ petition challenging the suspension, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said the decision was taken only after “exhausting alternatives” and resorting to less restrictive measures, including repeated requests for targeted takedowns of unlawful content. I state and submit that the impugned decision was taken after exhausting alternatives, which …

NEET row: Centre tells Delhi HC Telegram channels shared paper leak ... The Centre on Wednesday defended before the Delhi High Court its decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram ahead of the nationwide NEET re-examination, saying multiple channels on the platform had been identified as allegedly disseminating information relating to paper leaks and that blocking orders were issued after repeated engagement with the company. According to the government's submissions, authorities had called Telegram on multiple occasions and asked it to address concerns regarding its systems. However, the Centre contended that the issues persisted, necessitating the temporary restrictions. The government maintained that the measure was a preventive step aimed at curbing organised fraud and extortion targeting students, and not an attempt to suppress discussion surrounding the paper leak controversy. The original NEET examination was cancelled in May following allegations that the question paper had been leaked in advance. Reports had suggested that purported leaked papers were being circulated through certain Telegram channels. Telegram has challenged the government's order before the…

Telegram Access Curbed in India Till June 22 Amid NEET Re-Exam; Edit ... India has temporarily restricted access to messaging platform Telegram until June 22, coinciding with the NEET re-examination scheduled for June 21. The step has been taken as authorities move to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent potential exam-related malpractice. The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday welcomed the Centre's decision and said that the move was aimed at preventing fraud and misinformation targeting candidates. The ministry has also directed the platform to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30. In a statement, the NTA said the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had directed a temporary restriction on access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the examination period and its immediate aftermath. Breaking It Down What steps has the NTA taken to combat NEET fraud? How have authorities responded to NEET-related scams on Telegram? What measures are being taken to ensure NEET exam integrity? Created with AI. Errors are possible "Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued notification a direction under Section 6…

India temporarily bans Telegram ahead of NEET re-exam to prevent paper ... Government cites cheating networks and fake leak claims before re-test New Delhi: In a major move aimed at curbing examination-related fraud, the Central government has imposed a temporary restriction on the messaging platform Telegram across India until June 22, following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA). The measure has been taken to prevent alleged paper leaks, misinformation campaigns and cheating networks ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. According to an NTA statement, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a direction under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, restricting access to Telegram in India for a limited period ending June 22. The restriction covers the examination day and its immediate aftermath. In addition, Telegram has been directed to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30. The NTA stated that the feature has been misused in the past to create fabricated "paper leak" evidence by editing older messages and inserting examination papers after the tests had already …

Telegram messaging app restricted in India till June 22 ... - Onmanorama Onmanorama Staff Published: June 16, 2026 12:45 PM IST 5 minuteRead The Indian government has temporarily restricted access to the Telegram messaging app and disabled its message-editing feature to combat cheating and misinformation surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. These measures, implemented under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, are a last resort after other attempts to tackle fraudulent Telegram channels and bots proved insufficient. The National Testing Agency (NTA) assures candidates that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will proceed securely as scheduled, and advises them to rely solely on official NTA communications for information. Link Copied The Telegram messaging application will be off limits for users in India till June 22, with the Centre on Tuesday temporarily restricting access to the app ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Under Graduate (NEET-UG) 2026 re-examination. This is in the wake of the National Testing Agency (NTA) stating that the measure was aimed at tackling cheating rackets and misinformation. The Ministry of Electronics an…

Telegram moves Delhi HC against Centre's ban ahead of NEET-UG re-test Russian messaging platform Telegram has challenged the Centre's decision to ban the app in the Delhi High Court. The temporary ban was imposed ahead of the NEET-UG re-test due to concerns over exam-related content circulation. Telegram is seeking judicial intervention against the government's restriction.

Indian court rejects appeal over ban on Telegram app The ruling comes after India said channels on the app were selling leaked questions for undergraduate entrance ​exams.

Telegram temporarily blocked in India ahead of NEET re-exam Listen to this article in summarized format Listen Loading... × × Subscribe to Unlock AI Briefing and Premium Content New Year Offer 24 Hours Left Subscribe Now Already a member? Sign In What's Included Exclusive Stories Daily ePaper Access Smart Market Tools Curated Investment Ideas Ad-lite Experience Subscription Agencies Telegram has been temporarily restricted in India till June 22, 2026, as part of a government crackdown on the circulation of fake NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination papers and exam-related fraud ahead of the June 21 re-test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Monday said it welcomed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's (MeitY) action, describing it as a calibrated step to protect the integrity of the examination process. In a statement, the NTA said MeitY, acting on the agency's recommendations, issued directions under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, restricting access to Telegram in India for a "defined and limited period" ending June 22, covering the re-examination and its immediate aftermath. Also Read: NEET re-test on June 21 will be conducted in a fair and we…

Telegram restricted after fake NEET paper leak evidence spread online ... The Telegram app has been temporarily restricted in India ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination over viral allegations of paper leaks sourced from the app. As Telegram channels flooded students with claims of leaked question papers, edited screenshots and promises of guaranteed access to the exam, the National Testing Agency has now issued its strongest statement yet, explaining why Telegram access has been temporarily restricted in India and why one of the platform's most-used features has been disabled. The move comes days before theNEETUG 2026 re-exam scheduled for June 21. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued two separate directions. The first restricts access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the examination period and the immediate aftermath. The second requires Telegram to disable editing of already-posted messages in India until June 30. NTA described both measures as "calibrated and bounded in time" and said they were adopted only after other remedies, including large-scale takedowns of channels and groups, failed to adequately address the problem. T…

NTA bans Telegram app, Cyber Bureau on the look-out for other ... KATHMANDU, July 18: After months of recommendations and request from the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police to ban the malicious Telegram messaging app, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), on Friday, directed all telecom service providers to immediately block access to the Telegram app. The NTA issued the directive through a notice published on its website. This move follows concerns raised by security agencies that Telegram has increasingly been used for money laundering activities in recent times. According to the spokesperson for the Cyber Bureau, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dipak Raj Awasthi, the use of the app is rampant in financial frauds. “Most of the citizens have no knowledge of the app which is why they easily fall prey to frauds including investment scam through the app,” SP Awasthi told Republica, “It has been over six months that the bureau requested the government to ban the app. The ban is a welcome move albeit the delay in the decision.” During discussions involving officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant bodies, the officials from the bureau…

Telegram Block & Section 69A: The Delhi HC... | CLAT Gurukul CURRENT AFFAIRS | 18 JUNE 2026 A day after the Centre temporarily blocked Telegram across India, the messaging platform raced to the Delhi High Court challenging the blocking order and pleading for interim relief. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had issued the block on the request of the National Testing Agency (NTA), invoking Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 , to ring-fence the June 21 NEET-UG re-examination from a fresh round of paper-leak rumours circulating on the app. The block is valid until June 22. Before a bench of Justice Tejas Karia, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the order, telling the Court that the platform carried “shocking material” and had been “non-compliant” with takedown directions. The Court issued notice to the Centre and listed the matter for hearing on Thursday, June 19. Telegram, second only to Meta’s WhatsApp in Indian reach with roughly 150 million users, argued that the order is disproportionate — that punishing an entire user base for the conduct of a handful of channel administrators offends the constitutional requirement that any re…

Telegram moves Delhi HC against Centre's temporary block order ahead of ... Telegram approached the Delhi high court on Wednesday, seeking to challenge the temporary ban against the platform ahead of the NEET UG re-examination scheduled for June 21. The Centre had imposed temporary restrictions on the app in Indiatill June 22, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) welcoming the move. The NTA said the move was aimed at preventing fraud and misinformation targeting candidates. The matter has been listed before the bench of Justice Tajas Karia, with the hearing to be held later today. This came after theNTA exposed a large-scalescam network operating on Telegram, alleging that fraudsters were demanding anywhere between₹14,000 to₹25,000, and in some cases up to₹10 lakh, by falsely claiming access to “leaked re-exam papers.” In a statement, the NTA said the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY)had directed a temporary restriction on access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the examination period and its immediate aftermath. The ministry further directed the platform to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30. NTA said that this w…

Telegram app restricted in India at NTA request until June 21 The agency said that several Telegram groups were advertising fake exam papers for the upcoming NEET exam and defrauding candidates willing to pay for them

🚨 India restricts Telegram after the NTA's request amid the ongoing NEET-UG re-exam developments. 🔗 Read the full report: dw24news.com/neet-ug-re-e... #BreakingNews #NEETUG #Telegram #NTA #EducationSector #India #DW24News

At meet before ban on Telegram, Government flagged limited search ... Before the June 16 temporaryblocking order against Telegram, the Centre had flagged to the platform that it had failed to upgrade its restricted search feature, The Indian Express has learnt. As an example, the government said Telegram did not detect active channels even when users conducted a simple search using the term ‘NEET leaked paper’. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Telegram has been telling the government for the past four years that it has been “working on” its search feature. Read |Telegram ban not foolproof against VPNs, but curbs NEET fraud market: NTA chief But Telegram argued that, unlike algorithm-driven platforms — content-push platforms” — it does not actively recommend content to users and therefore limits the discoverability of material. The platform also maintained that “the outright blocking or banning of particular keywords or phrases does not appear to be an appropriate solution” for content moderation. This was one of the key issues raised during a June 3 meeting, The Indian Express has learnt. The meeting, convened by MeitY after summon…

Telegram blocked in India till June 22 for NEET re-test, govt cites ... Ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, the Centre has restricted access to Telegram in India till June 22, following recommendations from theNational Testing Agency(NTA), as part of efforts to stop fake question papers, misinformation, and alleged paper leak narratives from spreading online. According to ANI, theMinistry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) has issued a formal notification under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, ordering a temporary restriction on the Telegram platform in India. The restriction will remain in force for a limited period ending June 22, 2026, covering the day of theNEET (UG)2026 re-examination and the immediate period after it. In a separate directive, authorities have also ordered Telegram to disable its message-editing feature in India for a limited period ending June 30, 2026. Telegram access restricted in India for re- NEET following recommendations of NTA"Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued notification a direction under Section 69 A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, restricting access to the Telegram platfor…

Telegram Restricted In India For NEET Re-examination Following NTA ... ETV Bharat / bharat Telegram Restricted In India For NEET Re-examination Following NTA Recommendations NTA alleged that several Telegram channels have been demanding payments in exchange for purported access to the examination paper. This photo illustration shows a logo of encrypted messaging platform Telegram seen enlarged on a computer monitor. ( AFP ) By ETV Bharat English Team Published : June 16, 2026 at 11:12 AM IST 3 Min Read New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has restricted access to the Telegram app in India until June 22, 2026, after recommendations from the National Testing Agency ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21. Additionally, Telegram is required to disable its message-editing feature for existing messages until June 30. The NTA, in a press release issued on Tuesday, said the measures have been taken "in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the re-examination." According to the NTA statement, the MeitY has issued a direction under Section 69A …

Lakhs demanded for paper, fake proof clips: NTA exposes Telegram racket ... With only days left for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has exposed a large-scale scam network operating on Telegram. The app has now been temporarily banned by the Centre. Fraudsters are allegedly demanding anywhere between₹14,000 to₹25,000, and in some cases up to₹10 lakh, by falsely claiming access to “leaked re-exam papers,” the agency said. The NTA has also warned students aboutfabricated “proof” videosand manipulated chats being circulated to trap anxious candidates and parents. In an official advisory, NTA said that multipleTelegram channels were actively running two coordinated fraud schemes. One is the money-for-paper scam. Scammers here were demanding₹14,000-₹25,000 from students and in extreme cases, asking up to₹10 lakh, claiming they could provide “NEET re-exam papers”. The NTA clarified on X that no such paper existed outside the secure system and said that once money was transferred, it was lost. The agency also noted that personal data such as admit cards and WhatsApp numbers shared with these groups are later reused to target other students. ALSO RE…

India blocks Telegram over 'medical entrance exam fraud' concerns India's government has blocked messaging app Telegram until ​June 22, saying the platform was used to "defraud candidates" taking the medical entrance examination. The restriction was issued under a stringent provision ​of the IT law, which empowers ‌the government to block access to online sites in the "interest of sovereignty and integrity of ‌India".

Court Examines Proportionality of Telegram's Blanket Platform Ban Section 69A Blocking Orders Subject :Information Technology Law - Platform Liability & Regulation The halls of theDelhi High Courthave become the latest theater for a high-stakes confrontation between technological utility and administrative regulation. In a significant legal challenge, the messaging platform Telegram has approached the court to contest a government mandate that successfully suspended its services across India ahead of the high-profile National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 re-examination. The emergency, as articulated by theUnion Governmentand theNational Testing Agency (NTA), centers on the alleged weaponization of the platform by organized cheating networks. However, the legal questions raised by this directive touch upon the foundationaldoctrine of proportionalityand the scope ofadministrative powerunderSection 69A of theInformation Technology Act. The Backdrop: NEET-UG Controversy and Regulatory Response The genesis of this legal battle lies in the broader NEET-UG 2026 controversy, which saw the initial examination cance…

India blocks Telegram before retest exam to curb cheating <p>India blocked access to the Telegram messenger app on Tuesday ahead of a retest of a nationwide medical college entrance examination, following a scandal last month over a question paper leak.</p> <p>The failure of the hugely competitive exam, along with a separate <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2004875">marking fiasco</a> in high school tests, sparked outrage and fuelled youth protests demanding the education minister’s resignation.</p> <p>The electronics ministry issued the order restricting access to Telegram until Monday, the day of the retest. Message-editing features, which allow users to alter existing posts, will remain restricted until June 30.</p> <p>“Both measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates,” India’s National Testing Agency (NTA) said in a statement.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/NTA_Exams/status/2066753327841649121'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '><span> <blockquote …

Telegram Moves Delhi HC Against India Ban Ahead of NEET Re-Test Advocate Madhav Khosla told the bench that the government's decision directly affects over 150 million Telegram users in India Telegram has moved the Delhi High Court against the Centre’s temporary ban on the app during the NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam period The ban, issued under Section 69A of the IT Act, also forces Telegram to disable message editing to curb alleged paper-leak scams Founder Pavel Durov calls the move a "mistake" Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the Central government's decision to ban its operations in India until June 22, reportedBar and Bench. The court agreed to hear the matter urgently, with Advocate Madhav Khosla mentioning it before a vacation bench of Justice Tejas Karia. Khosla told the bench that the government's decision directly affects over 150 million Telegram users in India. 1 June 2026 Get the latest issue of Outlook Business The ban, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, restricts access to the platform during the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination period and its imme…

'Had to take drastic step as ...': NTA chief on temporary Telegram ban for re-NEET In a decisive effort to safeguard students from potential scams, the National Testing Agency has put a temporary hold on Telegram. This action comes as a response to rampant misuse of the platform by fraudsters distributing counterfeit NEET exam papers.

'Telegram now a new dark web': Govt defends ban on app ahead of NEET retest In an affidavit filed in response to Telegram's plea challenging the government's move to temporarily restrict access to the app ahead of the June 21 NEET-UG retest, the government countered that the "scale of the said channel itself demonstrates the capability of Telegram to facilitate mass dissemination of unlawful examination-related content". "Telegram has become the new dark web, linking threat actors.

Telegram banned in India till June 22, but govt wants one more feature disabled The government has temporarily blocked Telegram access until June 22 to combat cheating rackets defrauding students ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. The National Testing Agency also mandated disabling Telegram's message-editing feature to prevent the creation of fake "paper leak" evidence, aiming to ensure a secure re-test.

Telegram banned in India till next week, here is why - Digit Home » News » General » Telegram banned in India till next week, here is why Telegram banned in India till next week, here is why By Siddharth Chauhan | Updated on 16-Jun-2026 Add DIGIT as a preferred source Follow Us HIGHLIGHTS The Indian government has blocked Telegram access across India until 22 June 2026 A second order requires Telegram to disable its message-editing feature in India until 30 June The ban has been put in place due to the upcoming NEET UG exam Siddharth Chauhan 16-Jun-2026 Telegram one of the most popular messaging apps has been temporarily banned by the Indian government. Ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination, scheduled for 21 June, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 to implement the restriction. MeitY was acting on formal recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA). The ban on platform access runs until 22 June 2026. In addition, a second …

What's behind India's temporary ban on Telegram? Explained The Telegram app is like a lifeline for most people across the world. It is one of the most effective messaging apps, which allows you to do a lot of things, including downloading your favourite movies and TV shows. But the same app that is a savior for many people has been temporarily disabled by the Central government in India. But one of the biggest questions remains – why did the government disable the app? The Central government has temporarily restricted the Telegram app in India ahead of the NEET UG re-examination 2026 slated to take place on June 21 (Sunday) on the advice of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NTA argues that the app became a tool for exam fraudsters, who used it to distribute fake papers and manipulate message timestamps to make it appear as though leaks had occurred before the exam. According to reports, officials felt that targeting individual channels would not adequately address the scale of the problem. One of Telegram’s key features is its public channels, which can reach millions of subscribers and make it easy to broadcast messages widely without requiring mutual contacts. Here are …

Why did Centre ban Telegram ahead of NEET re-exam? NTA chief Abhishek ... National Testing Agency (NTA) Director GeneralAbhishek Singhon Tuesday defended the Centre’s decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram in India ahead of theNEET-UG 2026 re-examination, saying the government had “no option” but to act against fraudsters who were using the platform to sell fake question papers and mislead students. The restriction comes ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21. More than 22 lakh students are expected to appear for the medical entrance test. #WATCH| Delhi | On govt banning Telegram until NEET re-test, National Testing Agency DG Abhishek Singh says, "People can operate some channels by using VPN or they can operate from outside India. But the fact is that the lack of students who are accessing them, they will not be…pic.twitter.com/BSpDit4ui0 In an interview to ANI, Singh said several channels on Telegram falsely claimed that they had access to leaked examination papers and demanded money from students and their families. He said the government could not ignore activities that threatened the integrity of the examination process. “It may appear to b…

How Telegram’s NEET controversy reveals a bigger battle over coaching, piracy and access Telegram's temporary ban, linked to NEET exam leaks, sparks debate on its role in India's shadow education economy. While students utilize its features for affordable learning, the platform also facilitates the free circulation of paid educational content, leading to copyright battles. Critics argue the ban punishes legitimate users and fails to address the root cause of leaks, highlighting a complex challenge for policymakers balancing intellectual property with educational access.

Telegram challenges India app ban, calls move unconstitutional India blocked Telegram after exam paper leaks, prompting the legal challenge.

India temporarily bans Telegram over exam paper leak concerns The NEET exam had earlier been scrapped over allegations of a paper leak, sparking massive protests.

India blocks Telegram before a nationwide medical college entrance exam The Indian government said Telegram was used to "defraud candidates" taking the NEET medical entrance exam. The messaging app, which is very popular in the country, is due to be unblocked after the exam has taken place.

Govt cracks down on Telegram over pirated movies, OTT content, seeks report in 15 days Government cracks down on Telegram over rampant piracy of films and OTT content, issuing a 15-day ultimatum for improved safety filters and an action report. Additionally, access to the messaging app is restricted across India until June 22 to prevent cheating in the NEET-UG re-examination, following arrests of a gang involved in exam malpractice.

Messaging platform Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Centre’s decision to temporarily block access to the app ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-test scheduled for June 21. The matter was mentioned before Justice Tejas Karia on Wednesday, who agreed to take up the plea later in the day, as per Livelaw reports. Telegram moves Delhi High Court against the Central government decision to ban it before the NEET UG re-test. The matter was mentioned before the bench of justice Tajas Karia who agreed to hear it today. Recently, the government took a decision to ban telegram temporarily before… — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026 High court challenge filed The petition comes days after the government ordered a temporary restriction on Telegram as part of efforts to prevent the circulation of examination-related material and curb malpractice during the medical entrance examination. According to submissions made before the court, Telegram has sought urgent relief against the suspension, arguing that the ban is disproportionate and affects millions of users who have no connection with alleged exam-related violations. NTA STATEMENT REGARDING THE ACTION ON TELEGRAM PLATFORM IN INDIA …

Telegram challenges government order that temporarily blocks use Messaging app ​Telegram has filed a ‌petition in court ​challenging an ⁠Indian government order that has temporarily blocked use ‌of the platform in ‌an effort to prevent ‌exam ⁠fraud, legal ⁠websiteBar and Benchreported on Wednesday. Telegram CEO claims Reliance, WhatsApp’s role in alleged efforts to ban app in India The blocking ​of the ‌app, which began on Tuesday and will run until June ‌22, was put ​in place to stop candidates ⁠for medical school cheating from on ‌exams. Telegram did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Last month, the Indian ‌government cancelled a key undergraduate ​entrance exam for medical colleges ⁠after authorities said they ⁠were investigating allegations that its questions ‌had been leaked. Published on June 17, 2026 Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by ourcommunity guidelinesfor posting your comments. We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an…

India blocks Telegram app over exam fraud NEW DELHI - India has temporarily blocked the Telegram messaging app, saying it was used to try to defraud candidates for a national medical entrance test, which had already been hit by allegations ​of leaked papers last ⁠month that led to millions of results being cancelled.

Telegram admits it couldn't police exam-leak channels, India tells court India's government has told the Delhi High Court that Telegram was warned about two weeks before it was blocked, and that the platform admitted it could not proactively detect the channels selling leaked exa… #hackernews #news

Is Telegram banned in India? What you can and cannot do, and when the ... Listen to this article in summarized format Listen Loading... × × Subscribe to Unlock AI Briefing and Premium Content New Year Offer 24 Hours Left Subscribe Now Already a member? Sign In What's Included Exclusive Stories Daily ePaper Access Smart Market Tools Curated Investment Ideas Ad-lite Experience Subscription Agencies Is Telegram banned in India ? No. Two temporary restrictions have been put in place for Telegram users in India. The first affects access to the platform itself, while the second targets one of Telegram's most-used features: the ability to edit messages after they have been posted. For millions of people, Telegram is not just another messaging app. It is where college notes are shared minutes before exams, apartment groups discuss maintenance issues, hobby communities exchange updates, and freelancers receive work files from clients. That routine may look a little different over the next few days. For ordinary users, the biggest question is simple — what exactly can they still do, and what has changed? Live Events Why some users won't be able to access Telegram? Access to Telegram in Indi…

Delhi HC upholds Centre's Telegram ban order ahead of NEET retest Delhi High Court upheld the Centre's temporary ban on Telegram, citing its potential misuse for exam fraud and misinformation ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. The government's order, issued under the IT Act, was deemed well-founded. The restriction aims to prevent cheating rackets from exploiting the platform, with the ban in effect until June 22.

Explained: Why Was Telegram Banned In India Ahead Of NEET UG 2026 Re ... When the Indian government invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act on Tuesday to restrict Telegram ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, the obvious question followed almost immediately - if the problem is exam fraud on a messaging platform, why hasn't WhatsApp been banned too? Both apps are wildly popular in India. Both allow group messaging and file sharing. And yet the government, acting on the recommendation of the National Testing Agency (NTA), brought the hammer down on one and left the other completely untouched. The answer lies in how the two platforms are fundamentally designed, and how differently they respond to governments. What was actually happening on Telegram The NTA's official press release paints a specific picture. In the weeks leading up to the re-exam, Telegram channels operating under names such as 'PAPER LEAKED NEET,' 'Re-NEET 2026,' 'Private Mafia' and 'REE NEET MAFIAA' were openly soliciting candidates and their families, demanding sums ranging from a few thousand to several lakh rupees in exchange for purported access to the question paper. The NTA has …

'Telegram is the new dark web': Centre tells Delhi HC amid ban row ... Amid the row over its decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram, the Centre, in an affidavit submitted before the Delhi High Court, stated that the messaging platform has emerged as a major cause of concern for law enforcement agencies as it is being extensively used by criminals to avoid detection, making it the “new dark web.” It further stated that Telegram has turned into a growing nexus for cybercriminals, extremist groups, fraudsters and other malicious actors seeking to avoid detection. The submission was made in connection with a case in which Telegram is challenging government measures directed at certain channels and content hosted on the platform. Also Read:Telegram moves Delhi HC against temporary ban ahead of NEET UG re-exam According to the affidavit, Telegram has become a preferred medium for activities ranging from the circulation of leaked examination papers, including NEET question papers, to cyber fraud, financial crime, drug trafficking, terrorism-related propaganda and the dissemination of child sexual exploitation material. "Telegram has become the new dark web, linking thre…

Telegram Challenges India Ban Over NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Concerns ... News Desk Last Updated: 17 June 2026, 11:55 AM IST Share Telegram challenges the Centre's temporary India ban in Delhi High Court, citing impact on 150 million users ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination. New Delhi: Messaging platform Telegram has challenged the Central government's temporary ban on its services in India, filing an urgent petition before the Delhi High Court. The move comes after authorities blocked access to the platform until June 22 over concerns linked to the NEET-UG re-examination and alleged misuse by cheating networks. According to legal reports, advocate Madhav Khosla mentioned the matter before a vacation bench headed by Justice Tejas Karia, seeking immediate intervention. Taking note of the urgency, the Court agreed to hear the petition on the same day. Also Read Telegram removed from Play Store in India ahead of NEET-UG re-exam; Apple likely next NEET UG 2026 re-test: NTA opens leak complaint portal; Here's how you can report suspicious claims Telegram banned in India until June 22 ahead of NEET re-exam Watching FIFA for free? It could cost you your savings, warns Kerala Police Is the…

Delhi High Court issues notice to Centre on Telegram’s challenge to temporary ban ahead of NEET exam During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, alleged that several channels on the platform were allegedly being used to offer leaked examination questions in exchange for money

NEET Re-exam: Telegram App restricted in India till June 22 New Delhi, June 16: The Government of India has reportedly restricted access to the messaging platform Telegram across the country until June 22, 2026, ahead of the upcoming NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination. According to official sources, the decision was taken by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA). The move is aimed at preventing paper leaks, cheating networks, and circulation of examination-related malpractices through online platforms. Officials said the restriction has been imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, allowing temporary blocking of platforms in the interest of national security and public order. The action will remain in force during the exam period and immediate aftermath. A government statement noted that certain features of messaging platforms had previously been misused to spread fabricated claims of question paper leaks, prompting stricter monitoring and temporary restrictions. Authorities also indicated that additional safeguards have been introduced to ensure the integrity of national…

India blocks Telegram until Monday due to student exam fraud concerns A viral youth satirical protest movement, the Cockroach Janta Party, has emerged following exam cancellations last month

India Bans Telegram Over NEET Exam Fraud: 150 Million Users Lose Access ... India's federal government blocked access to Telegram for all 150 million of its Indian users on Tuesday, citing organized fraud networks that exploited a specific feature of the platform — its ability to silently replace the contents of previously posted messages while keeping the original timestamp intact — to manufacture fake evidence of NEET medical exam paper leaks. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the block under Section 69A of India's Information Technology Act, 2000, acting on recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which called the measure a "last resort" after earlier channel-by-channel takedowns failed to stop the schemes.Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder and CEO, fired back publicly within hours, calling the ban a "rash decision" that punishes "150M+ ordinary Telegram users in India — not the insiders who leaked the exam materials." The NTA itself confirmed no genuine re-exam paper was in circulation: every channel claiming to sell one was selling a fabrication. The block is in effect until June 22, one day after the NEET-UG 2026 re-examinatio…

Govt blocks Telegram messaging app until June 22 The centre has decided to restrict access to messaging app Telegram in India for a "limited and defined" period till June 22. This is being done to crackdown on fraudulent channels spreading misinformation ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination. It has also issued a direction requiring the platform to disable the message-editing feature till June 30 in India to address fabrication of after-the-event “paper leak” evidence in respect of national examinations, the National Testing Agency stated on Tuesday. The directions have been issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and NTA said “this timely action”, has been taken in the interest of students and will go a long way in conducting safe and secure examination on June 21. It said that the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), has served as the principal nodal agency coordinating the operational response to the Telegram-based fraud and misinformation targeting NEET (UG) 2026 candidates. “Acting on inputs received continuously from NTA, State law-enforcement agencies including the police forces of Bihar, Gujarat and Rajasthan, and from its own continu…

Telegram App Banned In India Until June 22 Ahead Of NEET Re-Exam Updated 16 June 2026 at 11:09 IST The National Testing Agency has welcomed the temporary restrictions on Telegram. The move comes ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and is aimed at curbing alleged cheating rackets, fake paper leak claims, and misinformation. Moumita Mukherjee Education News 6 min read Follow : Telegram App Banned In India Until June 22 Ahead Of NEET (UG) 2026 Re-Exam | Image: Reuters In a massive crackdown on exam malpractice, the central government has officially banned the messaging app Telegram across the country. The temporary ban comes on the direct recommendations of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to prevent paper leaks and cheating rackets ahead of the upcoming NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination. According to an official statement released by the NTA, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, has restricted access to Telegram in India for a defined and limited period ending June 22, 2026. The restriction covers the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The National …

India: Telegram to challenge government order blocking app Telegram has reportedly challenged the Indian government's order to temporarily block the popular messaging app ahead of the NEET medical entrance exam.

Telegram Ban for NEET Re-Exam: Platform Neutrality vs Exam Fraud ... India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has reportedly ordered a temporary restriction on Telegram in India until June 22, 2026, covering the June 21 NEET UG 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath, after the National Testing Agency said the platform was being used for cheating rackets, fake paper leaks, misinformation, and student-targeted scams. The obvious follow-up is not whether Telegram deserved special punishment; it is whether the government has just articulated a platform-neutral standard it is willing to apply consistently. If the principle is exam integrity, then Slack, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Discord, Google Drive, private forums, and every other digital coordination layer must be judged by conduct and evidence, not by brand category. That is where a defensible anti-fraud policy begins — and where a dangerous censorship precedent can also take root. Telegram Was the Target, but the Standard Is the Story​ The Telegram restriction is being framed as a narrow, time-bound measure tied to a high-stakes national examination. On paper, that distinction matters. A short restricti…

Why Telegram Is Facing A Ban In India: A Look At Its ... - Times Now India blocked Telegram for a week on June 16, days before the NEET re-test. MeitY acted on the NTA's advice under Section 69A, blaming cheating rackets that were using the app to defraud exam candidates. Founder Pavel Durov called it unfair, arguing the ban hits 150 million users while the scams just move to other apps. But Telegram landing in trouble is nothing new. The same light-touch moderation that protects user privacy also makes the app harder to police, and over the years it has been linked to everything from terror propaganda to piracy, scams and leaks: A Global Timeline Of Restrictions Quite a few countries have kept a tight leash on the Dubai-based messaging platform for years now. China shut it out entirely back in 2015 as part of its broader internet censorship setup and Iran followed in 2018, alleging the app was being used to organise anti-government protests. Didn't really work, though, users in both places have kept accessing it anyway, mostly through VPNs. Governments have also tied the app to political unrest more broadly. Thailand restricted it in 2020 during pro-democracy protests, Cuba did t…