The Government of India is poised to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeking to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This legislative move signals a significant shift in how Chandigarh is governed and aligns it with other Union Territories (UTs) that operate directly under Presidential regulations.
Currently, the Governor of Punjab serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh, a legacy arrangement dating back to its dual role as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The proposed amendment could potentially establish an independent administrative structure for Chandigarh.
What Is Article 240?
Article 240 empowers the President of India to make regulations for the peace, progress, and good governance of certain UTs. These currently include,
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
- Puducherry (only when its assembly is suspended or dissolved)
The proposed bill would add Chandigarh to this list, granting the President regulatory authority over the Union Territory.
What the Amendment Proposes
- Inclusion of Chandigarh under Article 240: This means Chandigarh will be governed directly through Presidential regulations rather than being administered by the Governor of Punjab.
- Alignment with Other UTs Without Legislatures: It puts Chandigarh in the same administrative bracket as UTs that do not have legislative assemblies.
- Scope for Independent Administrator: It paves the way for appointing a separate Administrator or Lieutenant Governor for Chandigarh, independent of Punjab’s gubernatorial structure.
Constitutional and Political Implications
The move is both administrative and political in nature,
- Federal Sensitivities: Chandigarh has long been a shared capital between Punjab and Haryana. Bringing it under Article 240 may intensify inter-state claims and debates about its political ownership.
- Decentralisation vs Centralisation: While the bill offers administrative clarity, it also raises concerns about the centralisation of power in UT governance.
- Potential Reorganisation: If the bill is passed, Chandigarh’s governance model could shift permanently from its unique shared capital status to that of a centrally regulated UT.
Key Takeaways
- Constitutional Focus: The bill represents a key constitutional development involving amendment to Article 240.
- UT Governance Framework: It highlights the governance mechanisms available for Union Territories without legislative assemblies.
- Centre-State Relations: The bill touches on the balance of power between the Centre and States, especially concerning shared capital cities and UTs.
- Federal Reforms: It contributes to the larger discussion on federalism and decentralisation in India’s governance structure
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