Part VIII - The Union Territories • Article

Article 239 Simplified: Administration of Union territories

Article 239 specifies that every Union Territory (UT) is administered directly by the President of India through an appointed administrator (such as a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator). The President can also appoint a neighbouring State Governor as the administrator, who will then act independently of their State's Council of Ministers.

Official Text

(1) Save as otherwise provided by Parliament by law, every Union territory shall be administered by the President acting, to such extent as he thinks fit, through an administrator to be appointed by him with such designation as he may specify. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in Part VI, the President may appoint the Governor of a State as the administrator of an adjoining Union territory, and where a Governor is so appointed, he shall exercise his functions as such administrator independently of his Council of Ministers.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Unlike states which have their own governors and chief ministers, Union Territories are ruled directly by the President of India. The President appoints a local manager, called an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor, to run the territory.

Student Mode

Article 239 establishes the constitutional framework for administering Union Territories. It provides that every UT shall be administered by the President of India, acting through an administrator appointed by him with designations like Lieutenant Governor or Administrator. It also permits the President to appoint a neighbouring state's Governor as administrator.

Example

The Governor of Punjab is also appointed by the President as the Administrator of Chandigarh UT. In administrative matters concerning Chandigarh, the Governor does not consult or take directions from the Punjab Cabinet, acting independently under the President's oversight.

Key Takeaway

Article 239 establishes that Union Territories are directly governed by the President through appointed administrators, ensuring central oversight and coordination.

FAQs

Who administers Union Territories in India?

The President of India, acting through an administrator appointed by him.

Can a State Governor run a Union Territory?

Yes, under Article 239(2), the President can appoint a Governor of a State as the administrator of an adjoining Union Territory.

Does an adjoining Governor consult their state cabinet when administering a UT?

No. When acting as a UT administrator, the Governor exercises their functions independently of their state's Council of Ministers.