Understanding the contours of administration of Union Territories in India’s Federal Fabric

Abstract

Union Territories in India refer to the centrally administered territories or enclaves. Part VIII of the Constitution of India under Articles 239 to 241 lays down the overall constitutional frameworks for the administration and governance of such territories. Most of these territories are created because of their unique cultures, administrative requirements, political considerations, strategic significance and small size in terms of geography and demography. These territories indeed constitute a unique type of administrative units in Indian federation, occupying a very distinctive place between the direct control of the Union Government and autonomous governance frameworks of the States. In such a background, the present research paper seeks to study and analyze the Union Territories in India, their background highlighting on the past and present contexts and their constitutional frameworks with diverse governance models.