Recently, the Union Government clarified that it does not plan to introduce a Constitutional Amendment Bill aimed at incorporating Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution in the upcoming parliamentary session.
The constitutional and administrative standing of Chandigarh is established by the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Currently, Chandigarh functions as a Union Territory, with the Governor of Punjab also serving as its Administrator. The governance of the city primarily falls under the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, alongside the associated rules and regulations.
Chandigarh acts as a shared capital for both Punjab and Haryana, leading to the application of various significant laws and administrative practices from both states within the city.
Article 240 grants the President the authority to create regulations for the peace, progress, and effective governance of specific Union Territories. This provision applies to Union Territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and the merged Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
According to Article 240(2), any regulation enacted by the President for a Union Territory holds the same legal weight as an Act of Parliament.
The discussion on this issue intensified after the Lok Sabha Bulletin included the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in its list of proposed legislative business. The intended goal of this amendment was to bring Chandigarh under Article 240, similar to other Union Territories lacking their own legislatures.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that the proposal is still in the consideration phase and that there is no immediate intention to change Chandigarh’s governance structure. The government has reassured that the traditional administrative arrangements of Chandigarh with Punjab and Haryana will remain intact, and any future decisions will be made after consultation with all stakeholders.
Q1. What is the current administrative status of Chandigarh?
Answer: Chandigarh is currently a Union Territory governed under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, with the Governor of Punjab serving as its Administrator.
Q2. What does Article 240 of the Constitution entail?
Answer: Article 240 allows the President to make regulations for certain Union Territories, granting such regulations the same authority as Acts of Parliament.
Q3. What is the significance of the proposed Constitutional Amendment for Chandigarh?
Answer: If passed, the amendment would shift Chandigarh under Article 240, reducing Punjab's administrative role and possibly introducing a Lieutenant Governor for governance.
Q4. Has the government confirmed any changes to Chandigarh's governance?
Answer: The government clarified that there are no immediate plans to amend Chandigarh's governance framework and that any changes will involve stakeholder consultations.
Q5. How does Chandigarh's status affect its relationship with Punjab and Haryana?
Answer: Chandigarh's status as a shared capital means it is influenced by the laws and administrative practices of both Punjab and Haryana, maintaining an intricate relationship with both states.
Question 1: What is Chandigarh's current governance status?
A) State under Punjab
B) Union Territory
C) Independent City
D) State under Haryana
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which act defines Chandigarh's current administrative framework?
A) Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952
B) Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
C) Article 240 of the Constitution
D) Union Territory Act, 1963
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who currently administers Chandigarh?
A) Chief Minister of Punjab
B) Chief Minister of Haryana
C) Governor of Punjab
D) President of India
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What would appointing a Lieutenant Governor in Chandigarh imply?
A) Increased local control
B) Decreased central oversight
C) Greater central control
D) No impact
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What does Article 240 empower the President to do?
A) Create laws for Union Territories
B) Appoint governors
C) Make regulations for governance
D) Allocate funds
Correct Answer: C
Kutos : AI Assistant!
