New Delhi, June 18 -- India's temporary restriction on Telegram has triggered one of the biggest clashes yet between the government and a major technology platform, with the messaging service challenging the decision in the Delhi High Court and arguing that millions of ordinary users are being unfairly affected. The dispute centers on allegations that Telegram channels were used to circulate leaked material related to the NEET-UG re-test, one of the country's most important medical entrance tests.

The controversy has rapidly evolved beyond an examination security issue into a broader debate over digital rights, proportionality, and the limits of government intervention in a technology platform. Telegram, which has 150 million users in In...