The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the Central Government's emergency order to temporarily block Telegram during the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. The court dismissed Telegram's petition challenging the restriction, which was imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to limit access until the immediate aftermath of the exam, according to medianama.com.
Justice Tejas Karia ruled that the government’s blocking order met constitutional standards of proportionality and fell within its statutory powers under Section 69A. He stated that the order identified a legitimate objective, maintained a rational nexus between the objective and the measure, was necessary given the facts, and adopted the least restrictive means available. The court also confirmed that Telegram qualifies as a "computer resource" under the law, justifying the blocking directive.
The ruling reinforces the government's authority to restrict digital platforms temporarily during sensitive events such as examinations to prevent malpractice or misinformation. It clarifies the legal scope of Section 69A, which has been invoked in various cases to regulate internet access. The decision aligns with previous instances where temporary internet restrictions were imposed to maintain public order or security during critical periods.
The court's judgment was delivered on June 19, 2026, marking a significant precedent for digital platform regulation under Indian law. The government’s order and the court’s validation highlight the balance between digital freedom and regulatory oversight during national examinations, as documented by medianama.com.