Delhi High Court Upholds Telegram Ban During NEET UG 2026, Cites Emergency Exam Security Measures
The Delhi High Court has upheld the government’s decision to impose a temporary restriction on Telegram during the NEET UG 2026 examination period, dismissing the platform’s challenge against the order. The court ruled that the authorities acted within legal bounds and followed the required emergency procedure while issuing the directive.
In its observations, the court stated that the situation justified swift action due to the sensitive nature of the examination process. It noted, “After considering all arguments, we found that given the emergency nature of impugned orders, Respondent strictly followed the procedure.”
Telegram had argued that the ban order was invalid because it did not clearly communicate the reasons behind the restriction. However, the court rejected this argument, holding that procedural objections could not override the substance of the government’s decision.
The bench further clarified, “The challenge of impugned orders on ground of non-communication reasons can't be sustained. Both impugned and final orders are founded on relevant material duly considered by Responded, supported by reasons.”
The court also addressed the applicability of the Information Technology Act, stating that messaging platforms like Telegram fall within the definition of “information” under Section 2(1) of the law. It observed, “There is no reason to exclude platforms like Petitioner from the ambit of ‘information’.”
The temporary restriction was originally imposed as a preventive measure to curb potential misuse of online platforms during the NEET UG 2026 examination period, where concerns had been raised about question paper leaks and exam integrity.
