Fourteenth Amendment Act & Puducherry Union Territory

The Fourteenth Amendment Act of 1962 holds significant importance in the constitutional history of India, particularly concerning the integration of territories. This amendment officially conferred the status of a Union Territory upon Puducherry.

Understanding Puducherry's Integration

Puducherry, along with its associated territories of Karaikal, Mahé, and Yanam, was previously under French administration. These regions, known as the French Establishments in India, were ceded to India following a referendum in 1954. However, their formal constitutional integration and recognition as a part of the Indian Union required legislative action.

The Fourteenth Amendment Act, passed in 1962, was instrumental in this process. It amended the First Schedule of the Constitution to include Puducherry as the eighth Union Territory of India. This act also made provisions for the representation of the Union Territory of Puducherry in the Parliament, allowing it to have Members of Parliament in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Analysis of Options

• Puducherry: This territory was indeed added as a Union Territory through the Fourteenth Amendment Act, 1962, after being ceded by France.
• Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep, along with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, were constituted as Union Territories under the Territorial Councils Act, 1956, and later organised under the Constitution (8th Amendment) Act, 1956 and the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963. Its integration predates the specific context of the Fourteenth Amendment Act for its UT status.
• Daman and Diu: These territories were liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961 and became a Union Territory along with Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They were administered as part of Dadra and Nagar Haveli initially and later formed separate Union Territories. Their specific inclusion as UTs happened around the same period but not specifically via the Fourteenth Amendment Act, 1962 in the same manner as Puducherry.
• Goa: Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961 and became a Union Territory in 1962. It was later granted statehood in 1987. Its initial administrative status as a Union Territory was established prior to the full consolidation through specific constitutional amendments affecting Puducherry.

Therefore, Puducherry is the correct answer as its formal recognition as a Union Territory was a direct outcome of the Fourteenth Amendment Act, 1962.