Telegram has publicly criticised the Indian government’s temporary ban on its platform, imposed until June 22 ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, through a series of sarcastic posts on X. In one widely shared post, the messaging platform compared the restriction to making water illegal because people drown, arguing that banning a communication tool punishes millions of legitimate users for the actions of a few.
The Centre has defended the move as a targeted measure to curb exam-related fraud and misinformation linked to the NEET paper leak controversy, while Telegram founder Pavel Durov has called the restriction disproportionate and ineffective. The matter is now before the Delhi High Court, which has sought evidence from the government to justify the ban.
Telegram’s Sarcastic Response Sparks Debate
The controversy erupted after Telegram’s official X account posted: “Over 300,000 people die of drowning each year. In order to protect society, it is now illegal to consume or possess water.” The post went on to compare the government’s action to banning solid food because of choking hazards, suggesting that citizens were being treated like “babies”.
The remarks were widely interpreted as a criticism of the government’s decision to temporarily block the platform over concerns that cheating networks had used Telegram to circulate leaked or fake NEET papers. Durov similarly argued that the ban affects more than 150 million Indian users while failing to address the root cause of paper leaks, claiming that those intent on cheating have simply shifted to other platforms.
Government Defends Restriction
The Centre has maintained that the restriction is a preventive and time-bound measure linked specifically to the June 21 NEET re-examination. Officials have argued that organised groups were using Telegram to mislead and defraud students, prompting the National Testing Agency (NTA) to recommend action under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the move was intended to ensure a fair examination process, while government lawyers told the Delhi High Court that they possess substantial material linking the platform to cheating networks. Telegram, however, has challenged the order in court, calling it an infringement on users’ rights and free expression.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The debate highlights a difficult balance between safeguarding the integrity of public examinations and protecting digital freedoms. While governments have a responsibility to prevent fraud and ensure fairness for students, blanket restrictions on platforms used by millions can raise important questions about proportionality, accountability and long-term effectiveness.
Addressing the root causes of paper leaks and strengthening institutional safeguards may ultimately prove more sustainable than broad bans. How can authorities tackle exam malpractice effectively while also protecting citizens’ access to digital communication platforms?
Read More: ‘Telegram Has Become A New Dark Web, Hub Of Criminals And Terrorists’: Centre Tells Delhi HC
Over 300,000 people die of drowning each year. In order to protect society, it is now illegal to consume or possess water.
— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) June 17, 2026
Your government is also considering banning solid food, as it presents a needless choking hazard.
You are not an adult.
You are a baby.
Eat the baby food.
