Key Facts
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, sought responses from the Centre and other authorities on a plea filed by messaging platform Telegram challenging the government's decision to block the app until June 22. The order came a day after the NEET re-examination scheduled for June 21. A vacation bench of Justice Tejas Karia granted liberty to the Centre to file replies with supporting documents and posted the matter for further hearing at 2:30 pm on June 18.
Government's Stance: 'Shocking' Evidence of Misuse
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government had substantial evidence regarding the alleged misuse of the platform. He submitted that the issue was not recent: "This has not happened overnight. We have been dealing with them since May. Complaints have been received since May." Mehta argued that despite repeated interventions, certain channels allegedly involved in examination-related activities continued to reappear after being blocked. He said the government would justify the invocation of emergency powers with facts and figures, repeatedly describing the material as "shocking".
Telegram's Defense: Compliant and Proportionate
Senior advocate Dhruv Mehta, representing Telegram, contended that the government's order was overly broad and disproportionate. "Just because some things are bad, the entire platform cannot be blocked," he argued. He further submitted that Telegram had been complying with government directions since June 1 and questioned the urgency behind the June 16 ban. "They wrote an email to me. Within an hour, I replied and informed them of the action taken. So, where does this ground come that I have not acted? I have acted bona fide. Proactive measures have been taken. What is the emergency? This has been going on since June 1. Suddenly on June 16 you do this," he was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench. Questioning the basis of the blocking order, he added: "My problem is that the impugned order is bereft of any reasoning... My submission is that while they file a reply, there should be an interim order. Banning of the platform may not be sustainable in law."
Details of Alleged Misuse
Explaining how paper leaks were allegedly being facilitated through Telegram, the Solicitor General told the court: "I have to show individual information, individual user IDs. They were repeatedly called and told that these are issues and you correct your system. But they failed to do it. I have given examples and shared with them. There are many channels. What is being projected and what is being circulated is that if you give me this much amount, I will give you 5 questions. This is continuous."
What Readers Should Know
- The Delhi High Court has given the Centre time to file a detailed reply with evidence.
- The next hearing is scheduled for June 18 at 2:30 pm.
- Telegram has argued that the ban is disproportionate and that it has been cooperative.
- The government claims it has 'shocking' evidence of exam-related misuse.
FAQ
Why did the Delhi High Court seek a reply from the Centre on the Telegram ban?
The court sought the Centre's reply after Telegram challenged the government's order to block the app until June 22. The government claimed it has 'shocking' evidence of misuse, including exam-related leaks.
What did Telegram argue in court?
Telegram's senior advocate Dhruv Mehta argued that the ban was disproportionate and that the platform had been complying with government directions since June 1. He questioned the urgency of the June 16 order.
What is the next hearing date for the Telegram case?
The Delhi High Court posted the matter for further hearing at 2:30 pm on June 18.