Telegram Is Back: Google Restores Messaging App on Play Store After Week-Long Government Ban

Instant messaging platform Telegram was restored on Google Play Store on Tuesday morning, marking the end of a government-imposed blanket ban that had blocked access to the app across India from June 16 to June 22. The reinstatement follows the successful completion of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, with authorities reporting no incidents of fraudulent activity during the test.

The temporary block was ordered following a request from the National Testing Agency (NTA) , which alleged that the platform was being actively used by organised cheating rackets to mislead and defraud candidates appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. Prior to the ban, government officials met Telegram representatives on June 3 to flag concerns, following which the Centre directed internet service providers and app stores to block Telegram, its web version, and all associated links.

Telecom operators also cut off access during the ban period, and both Google and Apple pulled Telegram from their respective app stores. Several Jio and Airtel subscribers continued to report accessibility issues even after restoration, with some users requiring a VPN to sign in or access existing chats.

Telegram stated it had removed over 900 links connected to illegal exam content ahead of the ban. The company challenged the block in the Delhi High Court , arguing it infringed constitutional protections including freedom of speech and access to information. The court, however, upheld the emergency measure, ruling that the government was entitled to act to protect the integrity of a national examination.

Apple's App Store was slower to restore the app, with Telegram remaining delisted until around noon, though existing iPhone users retained access. The Centre's directive to disable Telegram's message editing feature remains in force until June 30.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov criticised the ban, alleging possible lobbying by Reliance and WhatsApp competitor Meta , and arguing that bad actors had simply migrated to other platforms.