Telegram Did Not Respond Satisfactorily To Govt Concerns Despite Weeks Of Engagement, Centre Tells HC

The Centre is set to defend its decision to temporarily block Telegram in India, telling the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform failed to address several concerns raised by the government despite repeated engagement over the past few weeks. The matter is linked to the platform's suspension ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21.

Centre To Highlight Long-Standing Concerns

According to sources, the government will argue that the blocking order was not an abrupt decision. Officials are expected to inform the court that concerns regarding Telegram had been flagged multiple times, but the responses received from the platform were not considered satisfactory.

One of the key issues raised by the Centre reportedly relates to the alleged non-disclosure of data and information connected to channels that came under scrutiny. Sources said authorities believe Telegram did not adequately address these concerns despite repeated warnings.

The government is expected to maintain that the temporary suspension was the result of weeks of communication and attempts to resolve the matter rather than a sudden enforcement action.

Government Cites Evidence Of Platform Misuse

During proceedings on Wednesday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the Centre's decision and told the Delhi High Court that the blocking order was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.

Mehta said the issue had been under examination for several weeks and was not triggered by a single incident.

"This has not happened overnight. We have been dealing with them since May. Complaints have been received since May," he submitted.

The Centre also informed the court that it possesses substantial material indicating alleged misuse of the platform. According to submissions made before the bench, some channels linked to examination-related activities allegedly resurfaced even after being blocked.

Mehta described the material available with the government as "shocking" and said facts and figures would be placed on record to justify the use of emergency powers.

Telegram Calls Blocking Order Disproportionate

Telegram has challenged the government's action, arguing that the temporary block was arbitrary and excessive. The platform has maintained that it cooperated with authorities throughout the process.

The company told the court that it attended meetings with government officials and acted whenever specific channels were identified for blocking.

Senior advocate Dhruv Mehta, appearing for Telegram, argued that the platform had taken action against flagged channels and contended that the blocking order effectively functioned as a blanket ban impacting millions of users across India.

High Court Seeks Centre's Detailed Response

The Delhi High Court has issued notice on Telegram's petition and sought responses from the Centre and other concerned parties.

The case will now proceed after the government files its detailed response along with supporting material. The Centre is expected to reiterate that its action followed repeated efforts to engage with Telegram and address concerns surrounding the alleged misuse of the platform.