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Implications Of Bringing Chandigarh Under Article 240

25 Nov 2025 GS 2 Polity

Present Status Of Chandigarh

  • Chandigarh Is A Union Territory (UT).

  • The Governor Of Punjab Holds Additional Charge As The Administrator Of Chandigarh.

  • The City Is The Shared Capital Of Punjab And Haryana, Hence Key Acts And Laws Of Both States Extend To The UT.

  • This Generates Administrative Overlap And “Control And Interference” By The Two States.

What Changes If Chandigarh Comes Under Article 240?

1. Independent Administrator Like Other UTs

  • Chandigarh Would Get An Independent Administrator Or Lieutenant Governor (L-G).

  • The Punjab Governor Would No Longer Hold Dual Charge.

2. Enhanced Powers For the Centre

  • Article 240 Empowers the President To Make Regulations For Certain UTs.

  • This Would Allow The Centre To Directly Legislate For Chandigarh.

  • Parliament Can Also Repeal, Modify Or Replace Any Law Currently Applicable To Chandigarh.

3. Reduced Influence Of Punjab And Haryana

  • As Existing Laws Of Punjab And Haryana Apply To The UT, Article 240 Would Allow The Centre To Overwrite Or Amend these Easily.

  • Critics Argue This Would Dilute The Role Of The Two States In Chandigarh’s Governance.

4. Possibility Of a Legislative Assembly

  • Article 240 Has Historically Enabled Legislative Arrangements In UTs Like Puducherry.

  • Experts Say The Change May Open The Door For A Future Legislative Assembly For Chandigarh.

5. Administrative and Financial Impact

  • Central Oversight Could Mean:

    • Higher Budgetary Support

    • Streamlined Governance

    • Long-Term Development Planning

  • Supporters, Especially In BJP, Argue It Would Benefit Chandigarh In The Long Run.

Concerns and Criticisms

  • Opponents Say The Move Would Give Sweeping Powers To The Centre Over Chandigarh.

  • Could Create Bureaucratic Friction Between Centre And The Two States.

  • May Disturb The Historical Arrangement Under Which Chandigarh Served As A Shared Capital.

Previous Attempts

  • 2016: Attempt To Appoint An Independent Administrator Was Made But Shelved Due To Political Change In Punjab.

  • 1984: Punjab Governor Was Given Charge Of Chandigarh During A Period Of Terrorism And President’s Rule In Punjab.

Article 240 – Legal Basis

Article 240 Allows The President To “Make Regulations For The Peace, Progress And Good Government” Of Certain Union Territories. These Union Territories Are:

  1. Andaman And Nicobar Islands

  2. Lakshadweep

  3. Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu

  4. Puducherry (Only When Its Legislative Assembly Is Dissolved Or Suspended)

Note:

  • Chandigarh Is Not Currently Included Under Article 240.

  • Bringing Chandigarh Under Article 240 Would Add It To This List And Empower The President/Centre To Directly Make Regulations For The UT.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q. Under Article 240, the President Is Empowered To Make Regulations For Which Of The Following Union Territories?

  1. Andaman And Nicobar Islands

  2. Lakshadweep

  3. Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu

  4. Puducherry

  5. Chandigarh

Select The Correct Answer:

(a) 1, 2 And 3 Only
(b) 1, 2, 3 And 4 Only
(c) 1, 2, 4 And 5 Only
(d) All Five

Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 240 Applies To Andaman And Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu, And Puducherry (Only When Its Legislative Assembly Is Dissolved/Suspended). Chandigarh Is Not Covered Under Article 240 Currently.

Q. Which Of The Following UTs Listed Below Currently Have A Provision For Presidential Regulations Only When Their Legislative Assembly Is Dissolved Or Suspended?

(a) Chandigarh
(b) Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu
(c) Andaman And Nicobar Islands
(d) Puducherry

Answer: (d)
Explanation: For Puducherry, Article 240 Applies Only When The Legislative Assembly Is Not Functioning.



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