New Delhi/Chandigarh— The Union Government has proposed a major constitutional change that would allow the President of India to frame regulations and exercise wider administrative authority over the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, scheduled for introduction in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution—placing it in the same category as Union Territories without their own legislatures.
If enacted, the amendment would align Chandigarh’s administrative framework with that of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry when its Assembly is dissolved. Article 240 empowers the President to issue regulations that carry the force of Parliamentary law, enabling direct governance in areas without elected legislative bodies.
The proposed change marks a significant shift from Chandigarh’s current structure, where the Punjab Governor simultaneously serves as the UT Administrator. The amendment could pave the way for the appointment of a separate Lieutenant Governor or Administrator directly by the President, triggering concern among political parties in Punjab.
Opposition leaders in Punjab, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, have criticised the move, warning that it could weaken Punjab’s long-standing historical claim over Chandigarh. They argue that the intention behind bringing the UT under Article 240 remains unclear, as the Bill has been listed without accompanying details.
Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney became the first to raise alarm within the state’s political circle. He urged Punjab’s MPs — across party lines — to immediately meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to oppose the Bill, claiming it undermines Punjab’s rights over its post-Partition capital. Sahney emphasised that Chandigarh was originally established as Punjab’s capital after Lahore became part of Pakistan, and that multiple agreements over the years reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to transfer Chandigarh fully to Punjab.
The legislative proposal also comes in the backdrop of the Centre withdrawing a controversial notification related to the governance of Panjab University. Additionally, the Bill follows a recent Northern Zonal Council meeting where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the state’s demand for Chandigarh’s transfer.
As the Winter Session approaches, political tensions in Punjab continue to escalate, with parties seeking clarity on the Centre’s intent before the Bill is formally introduced.
