What Is Article 240?
Article 240 empowers the President of india to make regulations for certain Union Territories, which carry the same authority as laws passed by Parliament.
This applies to Union Territories without a legislature (e.g., andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu) and, under special circumstances, Puducherry.
These Presidential regulations significantly strengthen central administrative control.
Proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025
The central government plans to bring chandigarh under Article 240.
This change would place chandigarh in the category of Union Territories where the President directly frames rules.
Once the amendment is passed, Chandigarh’s administrative structure would undergo a major transformation, shifting more power to the central government.
The bill is expected to be introduced in the winter session of parliament beginning december 1, 2025.
Parliamentary documents indicate that chandigarh would effectively fall under central rule, similar to other UTs lacking an elected legislature.
Political Reactions in Punjab
Aam Aadmi party (AAP)
Punjab cm Bhagwant Mann called the move a “grave injustice” and a conspiracy to detach chandigarh from Punjab.
Delhi cm arvind kejriwal said it weakens India’s federal structure and undermines Punjab’s identity.
Congress
Punjab congress chief amarinder singh Raja Warring condemned it as unjustified and dangerous.
Demanded that bjp leaders clarify their stance.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)
President sukhbir singh badal accused the Centre of violating the 1970 agreement and ignoring the Rajiv–Longowal Accord.
SAD convened an emergency meeting to plan protests.
Legal & Overseas Concerns
The North American punjabi Association argued the move undermines Punjab’s constitutional and historical rights over Chandigarh.
Punjabi diaspora groups expressed concern over diminishing state authority.
Who Controls chandigarh Today
Chandigarh is administered by the governor of Punjab, serving as its Administrator since june 1, 1984.
A 2016 attempt to appoint a separate Administrator was withdrawn after Punjab’s united opposition.
United Opposition in Punjab
AAP, congress, and SAD have come together to oppose the bill at all levels—Parliament, public forums, and street protests.
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