Telegram has failed to overturn India’s temporary suspension order against the messaging platform after the Delhi High Court upheld the government’s decision. The court ruled that blocking access to Telegram was a lawful and justified step taken to protect the credibility of a major medical entrance examination.

The temporary restriction, which remains in effect from June 16 to June 22, has triggered widespread debate across India. Digital rights advocates have raised concerns that the move could create a precedent allowing authorities to restrict messaging platforms more easily in the future. The government imposed the ban after the results of a national medical entrance exam were cancelled following allegations of a leaked question paper. Justice Tejas Karia of the Delhi High Court stated that authorities had the legal power to block public access to Telegram under such circumstances.

Telegram, which has over 150 million users in India, did not immediately comment on the court’s decision. The Indian government also has not issued a response. Digital rights group Internet Freedom Foundation criticised the ruling, warning that it could impact the future of an open internet. Authorities argued that Telegram presented a unique challenge because blocked channels could be recreated quickly and users could hide identities through usernames and concealed phone numbers.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticised the restriction, arguing that it unfairly affects users while leaked materials continue to spread elsewhere. The ban was quickly enforced by telecom providers and major app stores, including Google and Apple. The dispute marks one of the biggest legal clashes between an international technology company and the Indian government this year. Telegram had argued in court that authorities ignored its efforts to remove illegal content, stating that it had already taken down more than 900 links connected to the alleged exam leaks.