Government blocks app after alleged NEET paper leak
India has temporarily blocked access to Telegram after concerns that leaked exam papers were being shared on the platform. The action came just days before a major medical entrance retest involving millions of students.
Legal challenge reaches Delhi High Court
Telegram has taken the matter to the Delhi High Court. The government argues that cheating networks used Telegram to circulate leaked content.
At the same time, officials also acknowledged that the restriction may cause problems for users who depend on the app for normal communication, study, and work.
Telegram rejects ban, calls it ineffective
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov criticized the decision. He said the ban would not stop the leak networks because those involved often shift to other platforms quickly.
He described Telegram as a useful platform and said it had already removed hundreds of channels in India that were sharing leaked exam material or scams.
He also said the company was improving its systems, including making the “edited” label more visible to reduce misuse.
Wider backlash over exam system
The NEET cancellation triggered protests across India. Students and activists raised concerns about repeated issues in the exam process and system level weaknesses.
Authorities have arrested more than a dozen people as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
