Court Backs Government’s Temporary Restriction to Protect NEET Examination Integrity
The Delhi High Court has upheld the Central government's decision to temporarily block access to Telegram ahead of the NEET retest, ruling that the measure was justified and proportionate given the urgency of the situation and the need to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.
The court observed that the government adopted the least restrictive measures available under the circumstances and acted in the larger public interest to prevent the misuse of digital platforms during one of India's most important entrance examinations.
NEET Paper Leak Triggered Telegram Restriction
The temporary ban on Telegram was imposed earlier this week after allegations emerged that leaked NEET question papers were being circulated through Telegram channels and groups.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), India's largest medical entrance examination, is taken by millions of students seeking admission to undergraduate medical courses across the country. Concerns over a possible paper leak prompted authorities to order a retest and impose restrictions on the messaging platform until June 22.
High Court Finds No Legal Flaw in Government Action
While hearing Telegram's petition challenging the blocking order, the Delhi High Court held that the Centre had followed the legal framework prescribed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
The bench noted that both the initial blocking order and the subsequent review by the designated committee were reasoned decisions based on sufficient material and evidence.
According to the court, the authorities carefully considered the available information before issuing the restriction, and the decision did not suffer from any legal infirmity or procedural irregularity.
Centre Defends Telegram Ban
Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Telegram had allegedly become a key platform for organised cheating networks involved in the circulation of NEET examination material.
The government maintained that the temporary restriction was neither arbitrary nor excessive but was necessary to protect the sanctity of the examination and ensure a fair opportunity for lakhs of students appearing for the retest.
Officials also informed the court that a review committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary had examined the matter and found sufficient grounds to continue the temporary suspension.
Telegram Calls Ban Disproportionate
Telegram opposed the government's action, arguing that blocking an entire communication platform used by millions of users was disproportionate to the alleged actions of a limited number of individuals.
The company stated that it had cooperated with law enforcement agencies and had taken steps to remove channels and groups found violating legal provisions.
Telegram further argued that alternative measures were available and that the blocking order failed to meet the constitutional standard of proportionality.
Court Rejects Telegram’s Challenge
The Delhi High Court, however, accepted the Centre's argument that the restriction was temporary, targeted, and necessary to address an immediate threat to the integrity of the NEET re-examination process.
The court concluded that the government's action was proportionate and justified under the exceptional circumstances, emphasizing that the restriction was limited in duration and aimed solely at preventing misuse of the platform during the conduct of the retest.
With the ruling, Telegram's plea against the temporary ban has been dismissed, allowing the government's restriction to remain in force until the completion of the NEET retest.
Impact on Students and Examination Process
The verdict is being viewed as a significant development in the ongoing NEET paper leak controversy. Authorities believe the temporary restriction will help curb the spread of leaked content and ensure a transparent and fair examination process for medical aspirants across the country.
The case also highlights the growing challenges faced by regulators and technology platforms in preventing the misuse of digital communication tools during high-stakes examinations.