Why this matters now
Article 240 became newsworthy after the 2019 reorganisation created new UTs (Ladakh; J&K) and the 2020 merger of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with Daman & Diu. Aspirants must place Article 240 correctly within the cluster of UT articles — 239, 239A, 239AA, 239AB, 240 — each of which applies differently depending on whether a UT has a legislature.
What Article 240 provides
The President may make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of the following Union Territories:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
- Ladakh
Such a regulation may repeal or amend any Act of Parliament applicable to the UT, and once made it has the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament. For Puducherry, this power is available to the President only when the legislative assembly is dissolved or suspended.
Article 240 within the UT family
| Article | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 239 | Administration of UTs by the President through an Administrator |
| 239A | Creation of local legislatures/Council of Ministers for some UTs (Puducherry) |
| 239AA | Special provisions for Delhi (NCT) — its Assembly and the Centre-Delhi balance |
| 239AB | Provision in case of failure of constitutional machinery in Delhi |
| 240 | President’s regulation-making power for A&N, Lakshadweep, DNH & DD, Ladakh (and Puducherry when its assembly is suspended) |
Scope and limits
The power is wide but not unlimited: regulations are subordinate legislation made under the Constitution and are subject to judicial review; they cannot violate fundamental rights or the basic structure. UTs with a full legislature (like Delhi) are governed by their own legislative scheme (239AA), not by Article 240. Article 240 matters most for the small, legislature-less UTs where the President is effectively the legislator.
UPSC angle
Prelims loves the UT-article cluster. Anchor each: 239A = Puducherry-type legislature; 239AA = Delhi; 240 = President’s regulations for A&N, Lakshadweep, DNH & DD, Ladakh. Note that Article 240 regulations carry the force of a parliamentary Act.
Frequently asked questions
What is Article 240 of the Constitution?
Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of certain Union Territories — Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Ladakh. Such a regulation has the force of an Act of Parliament.
Which Union Territories does Article 240 cover?
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Ladakh. For Puducherry, the power applies only when its legislative assembly is dissolved or suspended.
How is Article 240 different from Article 239AA?
Article 239AA gives Delhi (NCT) a legislative assembly and a special Centre-State balance. Article 240 applies to the smaller, legislature-less UTs where the President makes regulations directly.
Can a regulation under Article 240 amend an Act of Parliament?
Yes — for the listed UTs, a regulation made under Article 240 may repeal or amend any Act of Parliament applicable to that UT and has the same force and effect as a parliamentary Act.