The platform had already become accessible to some existing users early on Tuesday before Google formally restored downloads. As of around noon, Telegram remained absent from Apple's App Store. Apple did not immediately respond to an emailed request seeking comment. Existing Telegram users on Apple iPhones, however, were able to continue using the messaging service.
The Indian government had imposed a blanket ban on Telegram and its associated web services until June 22, citing the platform's failure to curb the circulation of leaked and fake National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test examination papers, misleading content and other fraudulent activities linked to the country's medical entrance examination process.
Telegram challenged the temporary blocking order before the Delhi High Court. However, the court ruled on Friday that the restrictions were lawful, proportionate and necessary to safeguard the integrity of the national medical entrance examination. The court also rejected Telegram's contention that the government had acted arbitrarily or failed to follow due process.
Sources familiar with the matter said there had been no extension or modification to the government's order.
Before imposing the ban, officials met Telegram representatives on June 3 and raised concerns over the platform's role in the spread of examination-related fraud. The Central Government subsequently directed internet service providers and app stores to block Telegram, its web version and related links until June 22.
Telegram has separately been directed to disable its message-editing feature until June 30 in accordance with government instructions.
The restrictions coincided with the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test re-examination held on June 21. Authorities have so far reported no major instances of fraudulent activity linked to the examination.
Telegram Founder and Chief Executive Pavel Durov criticised the move, stating that India's Ministry of Information Technology had banned the application "for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions".
Durov also alleged that Reliance, together with rival messaging platform WhatsApp, may have lobbied for the restriction.
The Telegram chief further alleged that Reliance and WhatsApp were attempting to secure a ban on the platform in India and disrupt its global access. Durov claimed that an Indian telecommunications provider deliberately interfered with Telegram's international traffic, affecting users in locations including the United Arab Emirates, through a routing manipulation technique known as Border Gateway Protocol hijacking. He also claimed that Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, held a partial stake in Reliance.
Reliance Jio strongly rejected the Border Gateway Protocol hijacking allegations, stating that its network operates strictly in accordance with global routing standards. Telecommunications industry sources also pointed out that Durov appeared to have confused separate entities, likely mixing up Reliance Communications with Reliance Industries Limited, which owns Jio.
The temporary suspension marked one of India's most sweeping actions against a major messaging platform, highlighting increasing regulatory scrutiny of digital services amid concerns over examination-related fraud and online misinformation. The restoration of Telegram after the expiry of the ban has once again brought focus to the balance between digital platform accountability and the government's efforts to protect the integrity of critical national examinations.
About The Author
.jpg)
Comment List