Government Says Telegram Failed to Address Key Concerns Despite Repeated Warnings

In India, Telegram is at the center of a legal battle when the government briefly prohibited the messaging app in advance of the June 21 NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. The Delhi High Court is currently hearing the case, and Telegram and the Center have each made their case.

According to government sources, the Center is anticipated to inform the court that despite numerous warnings and discussions over the previous few weeks, Telegram has not sufficiently addressed a number of issues brought up by authorities. Officials claim that the issue was not unexpected and that platform-related issues had been investigated since May.

The alleged non-disclosure of data and information connected to specific Telegram channels that were the subject of an inquiry is apparently one of the government's primary concerns. According to sources, officials frequently asked that the platform fix these issues, but they were dissatisfied with the response they received.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the government's decision in court, claiming that Section 69A of the Information Technology Act authorized the temporary blocking order. He contended that the government had considerable proof of the purported misuse of the platform and had received several complaints.

Additionally, the Center stated that even after being blocked, certain channels connected to exam-related activity kept reappearing. The decision to use emergency powers is supported by substantial evidence, according to official documents. Officials have called the evidence "serious" and promised to provide the court with supporting data.

However, Telegram has contested the government's move, calling the temporary restriction unfair and arbitrary. The business has insisted that it acted against channels that were deliberately marked for removal, attended meetings with government representatives, and cooperated with authorities.

Senior counsel Dhruv Mehta, speaking on behalf of Telegram, contended that the blocking order essentially acts as a general limitation affecting millions of users throughout India. In response to Telegram's motion, the Delhi High Court has now sent out a notice and requested comments from the Center and other parties. Once the government presents the court with its comprehensive response and accompanying documentation, the matter will proceed.

The way digital platforms function in India and how authorities address issues pertaining to online content, user data, and public interest in the future may be greatly impacted by the case's decision.

This article is based on information from News 18