Delhi High Court Upholds Telegram Ban Until NEET Re-Examination Amid Concerns Over Fraud

The Delhi High Court affirmed the Union Government’s decision to impose a ban on the messaging service Telegram until June 22, which coincides with the re-examination of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). This ruling came after the court dismissed a petition from Telegram challenging the temporary restriction, which was enacted to address concerns over fraudulent activities linked to the platform.

The ban was introduced on January 16 following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA). Reports surfaced that certain Telegram channels were allegedly soliciting substantial sums of money from prospective NEET candidates and their families, falsely promising access to the test’s question papers. The High Court recognized the “emergency nature” of the government’s action, concluding that the procedures outlined in the Information Technology Act were duly followed.

Telegram contested the ban, arguing that it was being unfairly targeted and that the action violated Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which ensures the right to equality. The messaging app highlighted that the blocking order adversely impacted over 150 million users, raising concerns about the implications for free speech and communication.

In response, the Union Government informed the court that Telegram was increasingly being utilized as a platform for illicit activities, drawing comparisons to the dark web, a segment of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines and often associated with criminal undertakings. The government stressed that curbing such misuse was paramount, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the exam process.

The NEET-UG exam, conducted on May 3, saw participation from more than 22 lakh candidates vying for admission into medical colleges across the country. As the re-examination date approaches, the controversy surrounding Telegram illustrates the ongoing challenges in regulating technology while ensuring fairness in critical educational assessments.

Source: scroll.in