The Centre defended its decision to suspend access to Telegram till June 22, contending that the platform had become a key tool for organised cheating networks involved in the alleged leakage and circulation of NEET examination material.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters
The Delhi High Court will pronounce its judgment on Friday (June 19, 2026) on Telegram’s plea challenging the Central Government’s decision to temporarily block the messaging platform in India in view of the NEET re-examination.
The Centre defended its decision to suspend access to Telegram till June 22, contending that the platform had become a key tool for organised cheating networks involved in the alleged leakage and circulation of NEET examination material. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, told the court that the enterprise behind the messaging app had been repeatedly asked to proactively monitor and curb illegal and suspicious channels on the platform. However, Mr. Mehta said, the company failed to take any meaningful action.
Also read: Telegram challenge puts spotlight on Section 69A of the IT Act
Senior advocate Dhruv Mehta, appearing for Telegram, said that the government had failed to justify the use of emergency powers, and had not demonstrated why specific content could not be blocked, instead of disabling access to the entire platform. “The order says it is in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India. An examination like NEET will affect the sovereignty and integrity of India? What is the application of mind?” he said.
Follow here for live updates,
June 19, 2026 09:56
“How can we stop the rights of 150 million people just because one set of citizens are appearing in examinations?”, says Justice Tejas Karia
The Union government on Thursday (June 18, 2026) submitted before the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform Telegram has evolved into the “new dark web”, arguing that its architecture and privacy features have made it a preferred tool for cybercriminals, fraud networks, extremist and terror groups, and operators involved in examination paper leaks.
A Bench of Justice Tejas Kataria scrutinised the government’s justification for a platform-wide restriction, even as it acknowledged concerns about examination malpractice and cybercrime.
“How can we stop the rights of 150 million people just because one set of citizens are appearing in examinations?” Justice Tejas Karia said, while hearing submissions from both sides.
Telegram evolved into ‘new dark web’: Centre
Centre urges Telegram to curb illegal channels, citing inadequate measures amid concerns over organized cheating networks.
Published - June 19, 2026 10:01 am IST
