New Delhi: The Telegram Ban will remain in force after the Delhi High Court dismissed Telegram’s petition challenging the Centre’s temporary restrictions. The court ruled that the government acted within its legal powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act and followed the prescribed procedure before issuing the blocking order.
According to the court, the government had sufficient grounds to invoke its emergency powers. Therefore, the temporary restriction on the messaging platform was legally valid.
Court Says Government Followed Legal Procedure
The Delhi High Court observed that the Centre complied with the legal requirements under Section 69A of the IT Act before imposing the Telegram Ban.
Furthermore, the court noted that emergency situations allow the government to act swiftly when public interest demands immediate intervention.
As a result, the court rejected Telegram’s argument that authorities failed to communicate the reasons for the order before imposing the restriction.
NEET Concerns Prompted Temporary Restriction
The Centre temporarily blocked Telegram after authorities linked the platform to the alleged misuse of digital communication during the NEET examination.
According to the government, repeated misuse of the platform in exam-related fraud created an urgent situation. Consequently, officials invoked emergency blocking powers under the IT Act.
The court accepted that explanation while reviewing the government’s decision.
Court Finds Blocking Order Proportionate
The High Court also ruled that the Telegram Ban met the legal test of proportionality.
Moreover, the bench said the government adopted the least restrictive measure available under the circumstances.
The court further observed that the blocking order relied on specific facts and recorded reasons instead of arbitrary action.
Telegram Challenged the Restrictions
Telegram challenged the Centre’s decision to suspend its services across India until June 22 and disable its message-editing feature until June 30.
The company argued that the restrictions were excessive and affected millions of users across the country.
However, the Centre defended its decision by stating that repeated misuse of Telegram’s infrastructure in examination-related fraud left authorities with no practical alternative.
Delhi HC Upholds Centre’s Powers Under IT Act
Justice Tejas Karia, after hearing both parties, dismissed Telegram’s petition.
The court clarified that digital communication platforms such as Telegram fall within the scope of “information” under the Information Technology Act.
Therefore, the government can restrict access to such platforms when national security, public order, or other legally recognized grounds require immediate action.
Overall, the ruling reinforces the Centre’s authority to invoke Section 69A of the IT Act in emergency situations while emphasizing that such actions must follow the legal framework.
Key Points of the news:
- The Delhi High Court dismissed Telegram’s petition challenging the temporary ban.
- The court ruled that the Centre followed the legal procedure under Section 69A of the IT Act.
- The government imposed the temporary restriction amid concerns over NEET-related malpractice.
- The court said the emergency blocking order was proportionate and legally justified.
- Telegram argued that the restrictions affected millions of users, but the court upheld the government’s decision.
