Telegram Challenges India's NEET Ban in Court: 'Undermines Rights!'

Messaging app Telegram has filed a petition in an Indian court, challenging the Centre’s order that has temporarily blocked its use. The ban, in effect from June 16 to June 22, 2026, was imposed in an effort to prevent cheating during the NEET UG exam re-test, following allegations of question paper leaks. The court has agreed to hear the matter on an urgent basis.

Telegram informed the court that blocking the platform would "undermine constitutional protections," according to a court filing. The company is arguing that such a blanket ban goes against fundamental rights, despite the government's stated aim of curbing exam fraud.

This move comes after the government cancelled the initial NEET UG entrance exam last month due to widespread allegations that its questions had been leaked. While authorities are investigating the claims, a student accused in the paper leak case has been permitted by the court to sit for the June 21 re-exam, underscoring the complexities of the situation.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has also weighed in on the issue, suggesting that such bans are ineffective. He reportedly stated that "Leaks just moved to other apps," indicating that blocking one platform doesn't address the root problem of exam fraud and merely shifts the activities elsewhere. This sentiment challenges the government's strategy in implementing the ban.

The controversy has also drawn political criticism. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge commented that the BJP government has "failed" its first test of accountability by not seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, linking the ban to broader issues of governance and responsibility concerning the integrity of the crucial national examination.

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