Telegram is expected to make a comeback for users in India as the temporary restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) reach their scheduled end on Sunday. However, the platform’s message-editing functionality for previously sent messages will continue to remain unavailable until June 30, 2026.
Despite the government’s timeline, Telegram had not become accessible at the time of reporting. The messaging application also remained absent from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in India, leaving users uncertain about the exact restoration schedule.
Service Restoration May Not Be Immediate
Even after the government’s restriction period expires, users may experience delays before the service becomes fully operational. Internet service providers are expected to remove network-level blocks in phases, which could result in varying access across different regions and mobile carriers.
Similarly, Telegram’s return to major app marketplaces may take additional time, as there has been no official confirmation regarding when the application will be relisted for download in India.
Why Telegram Was Blocked
The temporary ban was introduced following concerns over the alleged circulation of leaked question papers related to the NEET (UG) 2026 medical entrance examination.
Acting on recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), MeitY invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to restrict access to Telegram ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination conducted on June 21. Authorities claimed several Telegram channels were involved in selling leaked examination material.
Court Upheld Government’s Decision
Telegram had challenged the government’s action in court, but the Delhi High Court refused to interfere with the restriction.
During the proceedings, the company maintained that it had already removed more than 900 links associated with unlawful exam-related content and argued that the government’s description of previous discussions was “one-sided and inaccurate.”
The court, however, held that the government’s orders were properly reasoned and issued in accordance with legal procedures.
Pavel Durov Criticises the Restriction
Telegram founder Pavel Durov strongly opposed the temporary ban, saying the decision unfairly impacted millions of law-abiding users.
He stated, “India had punished 150 million ordinary users instead of the insiders responsible for the leak,” while arguing that the restriction failed to stop the spread of leaked material and instead shifted such activities to other messaging platforms, including WhatsApp.
Digital Rights Group Questions Edit Restriction
The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) also expressed concerns over the government’s directive, particularly the order disabling Telegram’s message-editing feature.
The organisation argued that the instruction lacked a clearly defined legal basis and described it as “a band-aid solution and a disproportionate response to exam fraud.”
Users Await Official Confirmation
With the scheduled review date now arriving, millions of Telegram users are waiting for official confirmation and the gradual restoration of services across networks. While messaging access is expected to return, the restriction on editing previously sent messages is set to remain in force until June 30, extending some of the limitations imposed during the temporary ban.
