NEW DELHI, June 17: Messaging platform Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court challenging an Indian government order that temporarily blocked access to the app as part of efforts to curb exam-related fraud.
The restriction came into effect on Tuesday after authorities sought to prevent the circulation of leaked examination papers through channels operating on the platform. The move has sparked debate over whether blanket bans are an effective way to address such issues.
Telegram’s legal team mentioned the matter before the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, and the court agreed to hear the company’s petition.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov questioned the effectiveness of the restriction, arguing that the measure affects millions of users while doing little to stop those responsible for leaking exam materials.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of examination security in India. Earlier this year, authorities cancelled a major medical entrance examination after allegations emerged that question papers had been leaked before the test.
The temporary restriction on Telegram was issued under provisions of India’s information technology laws, which allow the government to block access to online platforms in matters related to national security and public interest.
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