Google has restored the messaging app Telegram on the Google Play Store after it was briefly unavailable for download, according to reports.

Why the government ordered the removal

The restriction came ahead of the NEET-UG re-test scheduled for June 21, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), after the previous exam was cancelled due to alleged paper leak concerns.

According to government sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 to temporarily restrict Telegram’s availability on app stores in India until June 22, covering the exam day and immediate aftermath.

Officials say the decision is aimed at preventing the circulation of fake or leaked question papers and controlling the spread of misinformation during the examination cycle.

How Telegram was allegedly being misused

Authorities claim that Telegram channels, groups, and bots were being used to circulate misleading “paper leak” claims and fraudulent exam-related content.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been coordinating with state police units in Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to identify and remove such networks.

Officials also pointed to Telegram’s open group discovery and messaging tools, saying they were being misused to:

  • Spread fake exam leak claims
  • Share manipulated screenshots of old messages
  • Create after-the-fact “evidence” of leaks