The Delhi High Court upheld the central government’s decision to restrict public access to Telegram until June 22. The court dismissed Telegram’s petition challenging the restriction, ruling that the government was empowered under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to block the platform. Justice Tejas Karia stated that the government’s measures were proportionate and the least restrictive option available, according to inc42.com.
The court noted that the government had followed the due process prescribed under Section 69A and found the reasons cited by the government sufficient given the emergent circumstances. Telegram had questioned the justification for invoking grounds such as sovereignty and integrity of India in relation to concerns around the NEET examination. However, the court rejected this argument and held that Telegram fell within the ambit of "information" under the IT Act. The verdict followed the Centre’s submission that Telegram had become a "new dark web," facilitating criminal activities and hindering authorities’ ability to track offenders.
This ruling underscores the government’s authority to regulate digital platforms under the IT Act, especially when public order or national security is invoked. The decision aligns with previous actions where the government has restricted access to online services deemed to facilitate illegal activities. It also highlights ongoing tensions between digital platform freedoms and regulatory oversight in India’s evolving internet governance landscape.
Telegram’s access will remain restricted until June 22 as per the court order. The next legal developments will depend on any further petitions or government actions following this ruling, which sets a precedent for the application of Section 69A in cases involving digital communication platforms.