1. Chandigarh: Governance Background
• A Union Territory; serves as the common capital of Punjab and Haryana.
• Administered by Governor of Punjab as ex-officio Administrator (Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966).
• No separate legislature → governed directly by the Centre.
2. What Triggered the Controversy
• Lok Sabha Bulletin listed the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025.
• Objective: to align Chandigarh with other UTs without legislatures, purportedly for “simplifying” law-making.
• Interpreted as diminishing Punjab’s traditional claim and role in Chandigarh.
3. Why Punjab Objected
• Chandigarh is a historically sensitive inter-State issue post-1966 reorganisation.
• Any administrative change impacts Punjab–Haryana balance.
• Seen as centralisation and weakening of federal commitments.
4. Centre’s Clarification
• Proposal only under consideration, not final.
• No intention to alter Chandigarh’s administrative structure.
• No Bill will be introduced in the Winter Session.
5. Constitutional Articles Relevant
• Article 239 – Administration of UTs by the President.
• Article 239A – Legislatures for certain UTs (Chandigarh excluded).
• Article 240 – President’s power to make regulations for UTs (basis for perceived changes).
• Article 246(4) – Parliament’s exclusive power to legislate for UTs.
