Messaging platform Telegram has formally challenged an Indian government order temporarily blocking its service. The petition was filed in New Delhi court on Wednesday, contesting a ban enacted to prevent examination fraud.
The restriction targets channels allegedly distributing advance question papers for national entrance exams. Authorities issued the block under IT provisions citing national sovereignty and integrity concerns.
A Delhi High Court judge has agreed to hear Telegram’s challenge shortly. Founder Pavel Durov criticized the blanket ban as ineffective against actual leakers. He argued the measure punishes 150 million legitimate Indian users rather than addressing insider misconduct.
This legal battle follows the cancellation of a major medical college entrance exam last month due to alleged paper leaks. That incident involved 2.3 million students and sparked nationwide protests demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.