Home The Constitution Part IX Article 243L

Art. 243L Part IX: The Panchayats

Application to Union Territories

Exact text — Constitution of India

The provisions of this Part shall apply to the Union territories and shall, in their application to a Union territory, have effect as if the references to the Governor of a State were references to the Administrator of the Union territory appointed under article 239... and references to the Legislature or the Legislative Assembly of a State were references, in relation to a Union territory having a Legislative Assembly, to that Legislative Assembly: Provided that the President may, by public notification, direct that the provisions of this Part shall apply to any Union territory or part thereof subject to such exceptions and modifications as he may specify...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article extends the Panchayati Raj framework to Union Territories, with a technical substitution: wherever the Part refers to a state's 'Governor' or 'Legislature', that's read as the UT's 'Administrator' or Legislative Assembly (where one exists) instead — with the President having flexibility to apply this Part with specific modifications for individual UTs.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why village-level self-government through Panchayats exists in Union Territories too, not just in full states — with the necessary structural adjustments given a UT's different governance model.

Read alongside this one

Art. 239 — Administration of Union Territories

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 243L

Do all Union Territories have Panchayats?

The President has flexibility under this Article to apply this Part with modifications, so the specific extent and form of Panchayati Raj implementation can vary across different UTs.

← PreviousArticle 243K: Elections to the Panchayats Next →Article 243M: Part Not to Apply to Certain Areas

The text above reproduces Article 243L of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.