The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes bringing Chandigarh under Article 240, placing it under Presidential regulations like other Union Territories without legislatures.
This would shift governance from the Governor of Punjab to a centrally appointed Administrator or Lieutenant Governor, aligning Chandigarh’s administration with UTs such as Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
The amendment has implications for federal relations, Centre-State power balance, and the political status of shared capitals, marking a significant step in UT governance reform.
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.
