Delhi Court Upholds India's Temporary Telegram Ban Over Exam Leak

Telegram has lost its legal challenge against a temporary ban imposed by the Indian government, with a Delhi court ruling on Friday that the government's action was legal and reasonable. The messaging app was blocked in India from June 16 to June 22 following concerns related to a leaked question paper for a medical entrance exam.

The court's decision upholds the government's order, which was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, allowing the state to block public access to content in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, or public order. The government argued that the ban was necessary to preserve the integrity of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a key exam for medical school admissions.

The exam results were scrapped last month after allegations surfaced that the question paper had been leaked, affecting hundreds of thousands of students. The government stated that Telegram was used to circulate the leaked paper, prompting the temporary block to prevent further dissemination.

Telegram challenged the order, claiming it violated principles of natural justice and freedom of speech. The company argued that the ban was disproportionate and lacked transparency. However, the court found that the government's action was proportionate and aimed at a legitimate goal: protecting the fairness of a national examination.

The ruling has sparked debate among free speech advocates, who warn that it sets a precedent for the government to block messaging platforms at will. They argue that such powers could be misused to suppress dissent or restrict communication. The court acknowledged these concerns but maintained that the temporary ban was a targeted measure, not a blanket restriction.

This is not the first time India has ordered a temporary block on a messaging service. In 2020, the government blocked Chinese apps including TikTok and WeChat amid border tensions. Legal experts say the latest ruling strengthens the government's authority under Section 69A, though further legal challenges may follow.

Telegram, which has over 500 million users globally, remains accessible in India following the lifting of the ban. The company has not indicated whether it will appeal the decision.