Telegram challenges India app ban, calls move unconstitutional

Telegram has challenged an Indian government order that temporarily blocked access to its platform, citing the prevention of exam fraud. The messaging app filed a legal challenge in a New Delhi court, arguing the ban is unconstitutional and an excessive restriction on free speech. The government implemented the order on Tuesday to curb channels allegedly leaking examination papers in advance. Telegram contends the blanket ban is disproportionate, affects over 150 million Indian users, and hinders students and educators who rely on the platform for study materials and communication. The company's founder questioned the ban's effectiveness, suggesting it punishes users rather than those responsible for leaks.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has criticized India's ban on the messaging app, calling it a "mistake" that will affect millions of users. The ban was imposed due to allegations that question papers for India's National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) were leaked before the exam last month. The Central Bureau of Investigation is investigating the leak, with over a dozen arrests made. The NEET exam was canceled, leading to protests highlighting issues with the examination system, and a retest is scheduled. The National Testing Agency defended the ban, citing the platform's use by cheating rackets, while acknowledging the inconvenience to legitimate users. Telegram has over 150 million active users in India, many of whom use the app for educational purposes.

India has blocked the Telegram messaging app until Monday, citing its use in exam fraud and paper leaks for upcoming national student examinations. The restriction, issued under a provision of the IT law concerning national sovereignty, aims to prevent cheating rackets from defrauding candidates. This action follows the cancellation of a key undergraduate entrance exam last month due to leaked questions, which triggered student protests and the emergence of a satirical movement. The government has scheduled a new examination for Sunday, and the Ministry of Education's National Testing Agency stated the Telegram restrictions are a response to its organized use by cheating rackets for the upcoming re-examination.

India has temporarily banned the Telegram app due to concerns it could be used for cheating in the upcoming retest of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET-UG). Millions of students will retake the medical entrance exam on June 21st after the original May exam was cancelled over alleged paper leaks, which led to widespread protests. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the exam, supported the ban, citing the platform's organized use by cheating rackets. However, internet users and rights activists have criticized the move as an insufficient solution to exam fraud. The app remained accessible in India for hours after the announcement, and enforcement details are unclear.