New Delhi: In a significant ruling on the balance between digital freedoms and examination security, the Delhi High Court has upheld the Centre’s decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram during the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.
The court ruled that the government’s action was based on legitimate concerns and was proportionate to the objective of preventing large-scale malpractice. Dismissing Telegram’s petition against the order, Justice Tejas Karia observed that the restrictions were carefully designed and did not exceed what was necessary under the circumstances.
Authorities had moved to block the messaging platform after receiving inputs that organised networks allegedly involved in exam-related fraud were using online channels to coordinate activities and circulate sensitive information. The temporary ban was imposed shortly before the re-test conducted for medical aspirants across the country.
The re-examination was ordered after the cancellation of the original NEET-UG test held in May, following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities that triggered widespread concern among students and parents. The matter is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
During the proceedings, the government argued that extraordinary measures were required to safeguard the credibility of one of India’s largest entrance examinations. The court accepted this reasoning, noting that the action was limited in duration and targeted a specific public interest concern.
The judgment is being viewed as an important precedent in cases involving digital platforms and public security, particularly when authorities seek temporary restrictions to protect the integrity of national-level examinations and other sensitive processes.
