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Union Territories

Constitutional Framework and Governance

Union Territories (UTs) in India occupy a distinct constitutional category between states and centrally administered territories. Under the Seventh Schedule, Parliament can legislate on State List subjects for UTs, unlike for states where such power requires a constitutional amendment or presidential proclamation. There are two types of UTs: those with a Legislature (Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu & Kashmir) and those without (Ladakh, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands). Ladakh, created in 2019, is a UT without a Legislature — its administration is run entirely by the Centre through a Lieutenant Governor.

Key details
  • Article 239: The President administers every UT through an administrator (designated as Lt. Governor or Administrator)
  • Article 239A: Parliament may by law create a body with legislative powers for a UT (basis for Delhi and Puducherry legislatures)
  • Article 240: President may make regulations for certain UTs having no legislature — including Ladakh
  • The demand for statehood would require amendment of the First Schedule (list of states) and the Reorganisation Act, 2019
In the news

Tracked since March 14, 2026 · last seen July 03, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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