Delhi HC upholds curbs on Telegram amid NEET row, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Delhi High Court upheld the Central government's temporary ban on the messaging platform Telegram.
• The ban was imposed due to the alleged use of Telegram by organized cheating networks linked to the NEET (UG) 2026 controversy.
• The court ruled that the government's action was proportionate and justified, following procedures under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
• The ruling clarified that Section 69A permits blocking an entire platform, not just specific content, as "information" under the Act includes software and computer programs.

Detailed Insights:

• The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2026 exam, initially held on May 3, 2026, was canceled on May 12, 2026, due to widespread paper leaks and irregularities.
• A re-test for NEET (UG) 2026 was scheduled for June 21, 2026, prompting the government's emergency blocking order on Telegram.
• The court noted that the government had recorded adequate reasons for invoking its emergency powers, citing the circulation of examination papers and fraudulent activities.
• Telegram's argument that Section 69A only allows blocking specific content was rejected, with the court stating that the platform itself constitutes a "computer resource."
• The court accepted the Centre's argument that repeated channel-specific takedowns were ineffective due to the creation of mirror channels and backup groups by fraudulent networks.
• The temporary restriction on Telegram was deemed the "least restrictive" measure to protect the integrity of the examination during the critical re-test period.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000: Empowers the Central Government to block public access to any information through any computer resource under specific grounds like national security or public order.
• NEET (UG): The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) is a pre-medical entrance examination for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in India.
• Computer Resource: As defined under the IT Act, it includes any computer, computer system, computer network, data, computer database, software, or computer program.