Messaging platform Telegram became available again on the Google Play Store on Tuesday after a week-long government-imposed block that was put in place as a precautionary measure ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.
The Centre had directed internet service providers and app stores to restrict access to Telegram from June 16 to June 22 following a request from the National Testing Agency (NTA). The agency alleged that organised cheating networks were using the platform to spread misinformation and exploit students appearing for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination conducted on June 21.
While access to the app has now been restored, the government’s order disabling Telegram’s message-editing feature will continue until June 30. Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court upheld the Centre’s decision to temporarily block Telegram and restrict certain features on the platform. The court dismissed a petition filed by Telegram FZ LLC challenging the government’s action.
In its ruling, the High Court observed that the Union government had complied with the procedures laid down under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act while exercising its emergency blocking powers. The court also held that the restrictions met the test of proportionality given the circumstances surrounding the examination.
The bench noted that the reasons provided by the government were sufficient considering the emergency nature of the order and rejected Telegram’s argument that the decision lacked adequate communication of reasons.
The temporary restrictions were imposed based on recommendations from the National Testing Agency and the Ministry of Home Affairs, both of which cited concerns over the misuse of the platform during the re-examination process.
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