Several articles in the Constitution of India are specifically related to Union Territories (UTs). These articles outline the powers, administration, and governance structures for Union Territories.
- Article 1: Name and territory of the Union:
- Article 1 of the Constitution defines the territory of India and includes Union Territories within its scope. It establishes the Union of India and the territories that comprise it.
- Article 2: Admission or establishment of new states:
- Article 2 empowers the Parliament to admit new states or areas into the Union of India. This article is relevant when new territories are acquired or when the reorganization of states leads to the creation of new states or Union Territories.
- Article 3: Formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states:
- Article 3 grants the Parliament the authority to make laws for the formation of new states or Union Territories, or the alteration of existing states’ boundaries, names, or areas. This article has been crucial in the reorganization of states and the creation of Union Territories.
- Article 4: Laws made under Articles 2 and 3 to provide for the amendment of the First Schedule and the Fourth Schedule:
- Article 4 states that laws made under Articles 2 and 3 may include provisions for the amendment of the First Schedule (which lists states and Union Territories) and the Fourth Schedule (which relates to the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha).
- Article 239: Administration of Union Territories:
- Article 239 provides for the administration of Union Territories. It empowers the President to appoint an Administrator or a Governor, as per the requirements of the particular Union Territory. The Administrator/Governor acts to discharge the functions of the government of the Union Territory.
- Article 239A: Creation of local Legislatures or Council of Ministers or both for certain Union Territories:
- Article 239A was inserted by the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. It allows for the creation of a Legislative Assembly or a Council of Ministers or both for certain Union Territories, specifying Delhi in particular. Delhi, being a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly, operates under the provisions of Article 239AA.
- Article 239AA: Special provisions with respect to Delhi:
- Article 239AA provides for a special provision with respect to Delhi. It outlines a unique administrative setup for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including the existence of a Legislative Assembly, a Council of Ministers, and the role of the Lieutenant Governor.
- Article 240: Power of President to make regulations for certain Union Territories:
- Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations for the peace, progress, and good government of certain Union Territories directly administered by him/her. The President exercises this power based on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers or otherwise.
These articles collectively provide the constitutional framework for the creation, administration, and governance of Union Territories in India. The specific provisions may vary depending on the individual circumstances and characteristics of each Union Territory.
