The messaging platform Telegram has been reinstated on the Google Play Store following a brief suspension by the Indian government. The temporary block was initiated as a precautionary measure due to concerns related to the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had requested the government to block Telegram from June 16 to 22. This action was taken in response to allegations of organized cheating rackets exploiting the platform to deceive candidates appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam held on June 21.
Despite its return to the Google Play Store, Telegram remains unavailable on Apple’s App Store. Additionally, the government has extended the disabling of Telegram’s message-editing feature until June 30.
The NTA emphasized that these measures were implemented to maintain public order, addressing the misuse of Telegram by cheating networks targeting NEET candidates. The NEET UG re-examination on June 21 concluded successfully without any reported paper leaks or significant fraudulent activities.
The Delhi High Court recently upheld the government’s decision to suspend Telegram’s services temporarily and disable its message-editing feature. In response to a petition by Telegram FZ LLC, the court affirmed that the government had adhered to the legal procedures under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, ensuring the restrictions were proportionate.
