The instant messaging platform went offline following NEET paper leak allegations; Delhi High Court upheld the government's decision.

Telegram services are now fully restored across India, exactly seven days after the government ordered a blanket ban on the platform over its alleged role in circulating leaked and fake NEET question papers.

Users began reporting access to the app early Tuesday morning, with the platform reappearing on Google Play Store. However, several subscribers complained they were unable to download the app or sign in to their accounts. The issue affected users across both Jio and Airtel networks, while iPhone users found the app unavailable on the Apple App Store.

Late Tuesday night, the company confirmed all services were operational.

The temporary restriction was imposed on June 16 following widespread concerns that the messaging platform had become a conduit for circulating fraudulent content related to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The government extended the ban through June 22 to prevent any disruptions during the re-examination held on June 21.

Officials said no irregularities were reported during the re-test.

Editing Feature Suspended Till June 30

Despite the restoration, Telegram will keep its message-editing feature disabled for Indian users until June 30, following government directives. This means users cannot modify sent messages, a move aimed at maintaining accountability on the platform during the ongoing examination season.

 Why Did the Government Block Telegram?

The Centre had accused the platform of failing to curb the circulation of leaked papers and fraudulent content related to the NEET examination. Authorities argued that Telegram's structure — allowing unlimited group members and usernames that enable anonymous posting — made it particularly vulnerable to misuse.

A senior official familiar with the matter said the decision was taken to ensure the integrity of one of India's most important medical entrance exams.

Interestingly, when the ban was imposed, many users questioned why WhatsApp wasn't subjected to similar restrictions. Officials point to fundamental differences between the two platforms. WhatsApp, with its default end-to-end encryption and limited group capacity of 1,024 members, operates differently from Telegram's model that permits unlimited participants and anonymous accounts. The presence of an India office and AI-based monitoring systems on WhatsApp also makes it easier to track suspicious activity.

Delhi High Court Upholds Restrictions

Telegram had challenged the government's order in the Delhi High Court. Last week, the court dismissed the petition and upheld the ban, stating that the restrictions were necessary to protect the fairness and dignity of a national-level medical entrance examination.

The court also rejected the company's argument that the government failed to follow proper legal procedure while implementing the ban.

Arrest Made in Rajasthan Paper Leak Case

Even as the ban was in place, authorities in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, arrested a student attempting to sell fake NEET papers through Telegram. The accused was using a US-based VPN to operate a channel named 'Paper Mafia'. Police are investigating whether the network extends beyond the student.