Part VIII: The Union Territories
Articles 239–242 · Part VIII covers how India's Union Territories — areas administered directly by the central government rather than a full state government — are governed, from Delhi's unique partial-statehood arrangement to smaller UTs run by an Administrator.
The provisions in this Part cited most often
With landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped how they're actually applied.
Special provisions for the National Capital Territory of Delhi
Gives Delhi its own Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers with law-making power over most subjects (except police, public order, and land), while the Lieutenant Governor retains specific powers — a frequent source of Delhi–Centre friction.
All of Articles 239–242
Grouped by subject so related provisions stay together — every article number in this Part is covered below.
Administration of Union Territories
Each UT is administered by the President, acting through an Administrator appointed by them — who may be a Lieutenant Governor, Administrator, or (for small UTs) the neighbouring state's Governor.
Legislature or Council of Ministers for certain Union Territories
Lets Parliament create a local legislature and/or Council of Ministers for UTs like Puducherry, by ordinary law.
Special provisions for Delhi (NCT)
Gives Delhi its own Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers with wide (though not complete) law-making power, and defines the Lieutenant Governor's role.
Provision for failure of constitutional machinery in Delhi
Lets the President suspend the NCT of Delhi's Assembly/government in specific breakdown situations, similar to President's Rule in a state.
President's power to make regulations for certain Union Territories
For UTs without a legislature, the President can make regulations that have the force of an Act of Parliament.
High Courts for Union Territories
Parliament can establish a High Court for a UT, or extend an existing state High Court's jurisdiction to cover it.
(Repealed)
Originally dealt with Coorg as a separate UT before it was merged into the state of Karnataka.
Related rights categories
Quick answers about this Part
Why doesn't Delhi have the same powers as a full state?
This is a plain-language guide to Part VIII of the Constitution of India for general educational purposes, not a substitute for the bare text of the Constitution or professional legal advice. Article numbering and content reflect amendments up to 2026; always cross-check the authoritative text at india.gov.in or legislative.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter.