Article 239 Administration of Union Territories

The question asks about the authority responsible for the administration of a Union Territory according to Article 239 of the Constitution of India.

Article 239 is a crucial part of the Indian Constitution that deals with the administration of Union Territories. It specifies how these territories, which are directly governed by the Central Government, are managed.

Understanding the Role of the President in UT Administration

According to Article 239(1) of the Constitution:

• Every Union Territory shall be administered by the President.

This means the President of India is the constitutional head responsible for the governance of all Union Territories. The President exercises this power either directly or through an administrator appointed by them.

Analyzing Options for Union Territory Administration

Let's examine the given options in the context of Article 239:

• The Governor of an adjacent State: While some Union Territories might have their administration overseen by the Governor of a nearby state (as specified under Article 239(2) for certain UTs), the primary constitutional authority, as stated in Article 239(1), is the President. Governors act as agents of the President in such cases.
• The Prime Minister of India: The Prime Minister is the head of the executive government, but the direct constitutional mandate for administering Union Territories under Article 239 lies with the President. The PM advises the President, but the President acts as the administrator.
• The Parliament of India: Parliament makes laws for Union Territories and can create local legislatures or councils, but it does not directly administer them on a day-to-day basis. Administration falls under the executive function, primarily vested in the President.
• The President of India: As per Article 239(1), the President is vested with the power and responsibility to administer Union Territories. This aligns perfectly with the constitutional provision.

Therefore, the President of India is the constitutional authority under Article 239 responsible for the administration of a Union Territory.