Chicago – June 17, 2026
India imposed a temporary ban on Telegram until June 22, 2026, ahead of the crucial NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance re-examination, citing concerns over the platform’s use by cheating syndicates to defraud candidates. The National Testing Agency (NTA) recommended the restriction after the app was exploited to spread false claims of question paper leaks and sell fraudulent exam materials.
The suspension affects over 150 million Telegram users in India, according to CEO Pavel Durov, who criticized the move as punishing ordinary users rather than those responsible for leaks. Additionally, the government ordered Telegram to disable its message-editing feature until June 30 to prevent fabrication of leak evidence.
Telegram has challenged the ban in the Delhi High Court, arguing the directive is unconstitutional and constitutes a disproportionate restriction on users’ fundamental right to free expression. The platform contends the measure is an “overreaching restriction” that fails to address the actual leak racket. The original NEET exam was cancelled in May following alleged paper leaks, triggering nationwide protests.
