Delhi High Court Upholds Centre’s Temporary Telegram Ban before NEET-UG Re-Exam

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the Centre’s decision to temporarily restrict access to the Telegram messaging app ahead of the June 21 NEET-UG re-examination, ruling that the measure was “not disproportionate” and was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the examination process.

A vacation bench of Justice Tejas Karia held that the government’s order was the “least restrictive” option available in the circumstances and observed that the Centre had the authority to direct the temporary blocking of access to the messaging platform.

The temporary curbs were imposed ahead of the NEET-UG re-exam scheduled for June 21, amid concerns over the possible misuse of messaging platforms for the circulation of leaked question papers and other examination-related malpractices.

The court dismissed Telegram’s challenge to the restriction, finding no legal infirmity in the Centre’s action. A detailed copy of the judgment is awaited.