The dispute centers on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), India’s largest medical entrance examination, which is scheduled for a retest on Sunday after last month’s paper was cancelled over suspected leaks that triggered nationwide outrage.
On Wednesday, Telegram moved to contest the government’s decision in the Delhi High Court, just a day after authorities temporarily blocked access to the platform. The case is expected to continue hearing on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Government Says Ban Protects Exam Integrity
Indian authorities defended the move, arguing that the platform had been used by organized groups to distribute leaked exam content and facilitate cheating networks.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers NEET, said the restriction was necessary due to what it described as the “organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates,” while acknowledging the disruption caused to millions of users who rely on Telegram for legitimate communication, education, and professional use.
The ban was issued under provisions of India’s IT law that allow the government to block platforms deemed a threat to national integrity or public interest.
Officials also said the decision was aimed at preventing further leakage ahead of the rescheduled examination, which will now involve heightened security measures, including the reported deployment of Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters to transport exam papers.
Telegram Calls Ban a “Mistake”
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov strongly criticised the decision, describing the ban as ineffective and disproportionate.
He argued that restricting access to the app would not prevent those responsible for the leaks from shifting to other platforms, while penalising millions of innocent users.
In a post on X, Durov defended the platform’s role in India’s digital ecosystem, saying it has actively worked to curb abuse.
"Telegram has removed hundreds of channels sharing leaked exam materials and related scams in India in recent weeks."
He added that the company has strengthened its anti-fraud measures by making its “edited” label more visible, aimed at reducing manipulation and backdating of content.
"Banning it - even temporarily - is a mistake," he said.
Durov also described Telegram as a “force for good,” highlighting its role in education, communication, and community building across India.
NEET Leak Scandal Sparks National Outcry
The controversy began after allegations that question papers for NEET were leaked prior to the original exam date, prompting widespread protests and calls for accountability within India’s examination system.
The case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), with more than a dozen arrests made so far in connection with the alleged leak networks.
The cancellation of the exam last month triggered demonstrations by students, activists, and opposition politicians, who argued that the incident exposed deeper structural flaws in India’s competitive examination system.
Millions Affected by Digital Blackout
Telegram claims it has more than 150 million users in India, many of whom depend on the app not only for messaging but also for educational content shared through large public groups and channels.
The temporary ban has therefore raised concerns about collateral impact on students, teachers, and small businesses that rely on the platform for communication and learning materials.
Tech policy analyst Nikhil Pahwa questioned the effectiveness of the move, arguing that similar activity could easily shift to other platforms.
"Now for exams you're blocking a messaging platform nationwide. The same activity can happen on WhatsApp and Discord. Will you block that too?"
Opposition leaders also criticised the government’s handling of the situation, with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge calling for accountability from senior education officials, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi should “first demand the resignation of his Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has blocked the future of millions of young people.”
Debate Over Regulation and Digital Freedom
While some students have supported stronger action against exam fraud networks, many have also expressed concern that banning an entire platform may be an excessive response.
One student interviewed by ANI said enforcement should focus on perpetrators rather than tools.
“This is a good step, but the main focus should be on the root cause. Those who indulge in leaking examination papers should be identified.”
As the Delhi High Court continues hearings, the case is shaping into a broader debate over how governments regulate large digital platforms during crises, and whether sweeping restrictions can effectively address increasingly decentralised online crime networks.
For now, the outcome will determine not only Telegram’s immediate future in India, but also set a precedent for how far authorities can go in restricting access to major communication platforms in the name of public interest.