News– The Centre is considering a proposal under the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution.
Currently, Chandigarh is a Union Territory without a legislature, administered by the Governor of Punjab, who holds additional charge. The city also functions as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, and several laws of both states apply to it.
About Article 240
- Article 240 gives the President of India the power to make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of certain Union Territories, such as:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
- These regulations can amend or repeal any existing law, including laws made by Parliament, applicable to those Union Territories.
Implications of Bringing Chandigarh Under Article 240
- If Chandigarh is brought under Article 240, the Centre (through the President) would be able to make laws for Chandigarh directly, instead of depending on Parliament for every legal change.
