Telegram Is Back! But There’s Still One Catch For Users

The messaging platform Telegram returned to the Google Play Store on Tuesday after the government lifted a temporary block imposed across India in connection with the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) requested the suspension, and internet services remained suspended from June 16 to June 22.

The agency had alleged that organised cheating networks were using the platform to mislead and defraud candidates appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination conducted on June 21.

Telegram’s message-editing feature will remain disabled until June 30, as directed by the Centre. The application was still unavailable on Apple’s App Store.

The NTA maintained that the temporary blocking of Telegram and the disabling of its message-editing feature were necessary in the interest of public order due to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets targeting medical entrance examination candidates.

The NTA conducted the NEET UG re-examination successfully on June 21, and no reports of question paper leaks or other major fraudulent activities have surfaced so far.

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court upheld the Centre’s decision to temporarily suspend Telegram’s services and restrict its message-editing feature.

Rejecting a petition filed by Telegram FZ LLC, the court ruled that the government had followed the procedure laid down under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act while invoking emergency blocking powers.

The court also held that the restrictions met the standard of proportionality and that the reasons provided by the government were adequate given the emergency circumstances.

The NTA and the Ministry of Home Affairs recommended the restrictions.

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