Telegram Is Back! App Returns After 7-Day Ban Over NEET Paper Leak Scare

The Centre had ordered a blanket block on Telegram and its associated web services until June 22.

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Telegram began returning to service in India on Tuesday after a week-long government ban linked to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) expired, with the messaging platform reappearing on Google’s Play Store and becoming accessible to users once again.

The app remained unavailable on Apple’s App Store at the time of writing, though existing iPhone users were able to access the service. Some Telegram users also reported being able to use the platform early Tuesday, hours before Google formally restored downloads.

The Centre had ordered a blanket block on Telegram and its associated web services until June 22, accusing the platform of failing to curb the circulation of leaked and fake NEET papers, misleading content and other forms

of examination-related fraud.

The restrictions coincided with the NEET re-examination conducted on June 21. Authorities have so far reported no major instances of malpractice linked to the test.

Telegram challenged the government’s temporary blocking order before the Delhi High Court. However, the court last week upheld the restrictions, saying they were lawful, proportionate and necessary to protect the integrity of a national-level medical entrance examination. It also rejected the company’s argument that due process had not been followed.

Before imposing the ban, government officials met Telegram representatives on June 3 and raised concerns over the platform’s alleged role in facilitating examination fraud. The Centre subsequently directed internet service providers and app stores to block Telegram, its web version and related links for a week.

Even as the app returns, some restrictions remain in place. Telegram has been directed to disable its message-editing feature until June 30 under government instructions.

Telegram founder and chief executive Pavel Durov had criticised the move, saying India’s Information Technology Ministry banned the platform “for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions”.