The Centre told the Delhi High Court that Telegram is increasingly being exploited for unlawful activities, including terrorism-related communication, cybercrime and fraud, while defending restrictions linked to the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.

The Central Government on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that Telegram is now seen as a platform being used in multiple forms of criminal activity, such as terrorism communications, cyber-crimes, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraudulent activities.

This statement was made while addressing the court proceedings regarding the government’s move to suspend the functioning of Telegram in India prior to the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam slated for June 21. Solicitor General of India (SGI), Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, emphasized that issues connected to this messaging application were not limited to exams but had national security implications as well.

Government flags security risks

During the hearing process, the SGI revealed to the court that, according to official reports, the Telegram application is used by terrorists as a preferred mode of communication.