Several Telegram users across India are reporting continued difficulties in sending and receiving messages even after the expiry of the government’s temporary restrictions on the messaging platform imposed ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.
The restrictions were scheduled to end on June 22. However, many users say Telegram services remain partially unavailable on June 23, raising questions about the restoration process.
Why Was Telegram Blocked?
The Government of India issued an interim order on June 16 under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, directing internet service providers to block Telegram and related URLs nationwide until June 22.
Authorities also instructed the platform to disable its message-editing feature until June 30 as part of efforts to prevent the spread of misleading content related to the NEET-UG re-examination.
The move came ahead of the June 21 NEET-UG re-exam, which was conducted after the original examination was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak.
Some Users Still Unable to Access Telegram
Although the official restriction period has ended, users in several regions continue to report problems accessing Telegram services.
According to government officials, there are currently no plans to extend the ban. The continued disruptions may be linked to a phased restoration process across different internet service providers and regions.
While some users have regained full access to the platform, others are still experiencing delays in message delivery and connectivity issues.
Delhi High Court Upheld Temporary Restrictions
The government’s decision to block Telegram temporarily was challenged before the Delhi High Court.
On June 19, the court upheld the six-day restriction, observing that authorities had sufficient grounds to take preventive measures in the interest of millions of students appearing for the re-examination.
The court accepted the government’s argument that extraordinary steps were necessary to protect the integrity of the examination process.
NEET-UG Paper Leak Concerns Triggered Action
The restrictions followed a nationwide controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
The original exam, conducted on May 3, was cancelled after investigators found similarities between leaked materials circulating online and actual examination questions. The case led to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry and multiple arrests.
Officials informed the court that several Telegram channels were allegedly being used to sell fake question papers and spread misleading claims regarding leaked exam content.
Authorities also raised concerns about Telegram’s message-editing feature, which could allegedly be used to alter messages without changing timestamps, making it difficult to verify when content was originally posted.
Restoration Expected Soon
Government officials have indicated that the restrictions officially ended on June 22 and that no extension has been approved.
As service providers complete technical updates, Telegram access is expected to return fully across India. Users who continue to face issues may experience temporary delays as network-level restrictions are gradually lifted.
The platform remains widely used by students, professionals, and communities for communication, educational content, and information sharing.
