A sudden nationwide restriction on Telegram aims to halt alleged medical exam leaks. The court will hear arguments over constitutionality and free speech protections.
As mentioned by Reuters
The Indian government has imposed a temporary block on the Telegram messenger to prevent cheating during exams. The company said that such a move undermines constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and access to information, and called for the restrictions to be lifted.
The most unexpected measure – blocking the service until June 22 – took effect on Tuesday as part of efforts to limit channels that allegedly publish questions from the repeat National Medical Entrance Test in advance. The sources of the materials led to the cancellation of the test, after previous attempts to conduct it faced difficulties due to leaks and media coverage of the incidents.
Such a decision, if supported, would allow unchecked suspension of digital platforms, seriously undermining constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and access to information.
– Telegram
Both sides briefly appeared in court on Wednesday, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asked to postpone the case’s hearing to Thursday, to which the judge agreed.
Mehta noted that the government intends to challenge Telegram’s position on Thursday and that the company has repeatedly urged regulating its systems.
Telegram did not respond to requests for comment.
Telegram has become the latest major player in the dispute with the government over a decision related to content-blocking. Last year the government reduced the number of officials who can require removal of materials after a long legal wrangle with Elon Musk and X.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov previously questioned the ban’s effectiveness in stopping leaks and said that it was a punishment for 150 million Indian Telegram users, not for those who actually leaked the exam materials.
The restrictions on Telegram were introduced under a provision of India’s Information Technology Act that allows the government to block access to internet apps in the “interests of India’s sovereignty and integrity”.
This situation underscores the growing role of digital platforms in India’s politics and sheds light on the challenges of balancing security with freedom of speech and access to information.
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