Part VIII: Union Territories
Part VIII of the Constitution deals with the administration of Union Territories in India. These are areas that are directly administered by the Central Government.
Key Articles Covered
Administration (Articles 239-241)
- Article 239: Administration of Union Territories
- Article 239A: Creation of local Legislatures or Council of Ministers or both for certain Union Territories
- Article 239AA: Special provisions with respect to Delhi
- Article 239AB: Provision in case of failure of constitutional machinery
- Article 240: Power of President to make regulations for certain Union Territories
- Article 241: High Courts for Union Territories
Special Provisions
- Article 239B: Power of administrator to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature
- Article 242: Coorg (Repealed)
- Article 243M: Part not to apply to certain areas
- Article 243ZC: Part not to apply to certain areas
Current Union Territories
Delhi (NCT)
National Capital Territory with special status, has its own Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers
Jammu & Kashmir
Former state converted to UT in 2019, has Legislative Assembly
Puducherry
Has Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Administered by Lieutenant Governor
Chandigarh
Joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, administered by Administrator
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
Merged in 2020, administered by Administrator
Lakshadweep
Administered by Administrator
Ladakh
Separated from J&K in 2019, administered by Lieutenant Governor
Types of Administration
With Legislature
Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry have elected Legislative Assemblies and Council of Ministers
Without Legislature
Other UTs are directly administered by the Central Government through Administrators or Lieutenant Governors
Special Provisions
Delhi (Article 239AA)
Has special status as National Capital Territory with its own Legislative Assembly, but certain subjects remain with the Central Government.
President's Regulations
The President can make regulations for Union Territories under Article 240, which have the force of law.
High Courts
Union Territories may have their own High Courts or share High Courts with neighboring states.