Chandigarh Under Article 240: What It Means and Why Punjab Is Protesting

Chandigarh: The central government will introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the winter session beginning December 1. Its objective is to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution so that the President gets the power to directly make regulations and laws for this Union Territory. At present this right is applicable to those union territories where there is no assembly.

What is the meaning of Article 240?

Article 240 of the Constitution gives the President the power to issue regulations for the administration, law and order, and good governance in certain Union Territories. These regulations have the same effect as an act of Parliament. But where there is an Assembly, the President cannot make regulations.

Why is the Punjab government angry about this?

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called it an attack on the rights of Punjab. He says that Chandigarh was a part of Punjab earlier also and will always remain so. Mann alleges that the central government is trying to snatch the capital of Punjab.

What allegations are Congress and Akali Dal making?

Congress leader Raja Wadding termed the move as unnecessary and said attempts to separate Chandigarh from Punjab could lead to serious consequences. Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal called it a “breach of promise” by the Centre. They say that this amendment paves the way for permanently excluding Chandigarh from the ambit of Punjab.

Why is Punjab's claim on Chandigarh historical?

After partition, Lahore went to Pakistan, and Chandigarh was made the new capital of Punjab. After the reorganization of 1966, it was declared the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana. In many agreements, the Center also promised to hand over Chandigarh to Punjab, but this was never fulfilled.

What changes can be brought about in the administration by the amendment?

Presently the administration of Chandigarh is handled by the Governor of Punjab. If the amendment is passed, a separate administrator can be appointed for Chandigarh. In 2016, the Center had also tried to do this, but due to opposition from all the parties of Punjab, the plan could not be implemented.

What could happen next?

All the big parties of Punjab have united against this bill.There is a possibility of heated debate on this issue in the Parliament session. Now it remains to be seen what stand the Center takes on this controversial step and whether there is any major change in the situation in Chandigarh or not.