PPT: Union and its Territory | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Union and Territories
Page 2


Union and Territories
Introduction to Part I of the 
Constitution
1
The Union and its 
Territory
Part I of the Constitution, titled 
"The Union and its T erritory" , 
encompasses Articles 1-4. It 
establishes the legal foundation 
for India's territorial composition 
and the union of states.
2
Powers Defined
This section outlines laws for 
establishing, renaming, merging, 
or altering state borders. These 
articles have been invoked in 
significant territorial changes, 
such as the renaming of West 
Bengal and the formation of new 
states like Jharkhand, 
Chhattisgarh, and T elangana.
3
Constitutional Significance
Part I plays a crucial role in defining India's federal structure and the 
relationship between the Union and its constituent parts.
Page 3


Union and Territories
Introduction to Part I of the 
Constitution
1
The Union and its 
Territory
Part I of the Constitution, titled 
"The Union and its T erritory" , 
encompasses Articles 1-4. It 
establishes the legal foundation 
for India's territorial composition 
and the union of states.
2
Powers Defined
This section outlines laws for 
establishing, renaming, merging, 
or altering state borders. These 
articles have been invoked in 
significant territorial changes, 
such as the renaming of West 
Bengal and the formation of new 
states like Jharkhand, 
Chhattisgarh, and T elangana.
3
Constitutional Significance
Part I plays a crucial role in defining India's federal structure and the 
relationship between the Union and its constituent parts.
Union of States
India as a 'Union of States'
Article 1 defines India, also known as 
Bharat, as a 'Union of States' rather than 
a 'Federation of States' . This distinction 
emphasizes the country's name and its 
unique political structure.
Dr. Ambedkar's Rationale
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar favored 'Union of 
States' because the Indian Federation 
wasn't formed through state agreement 
like the American Federation. 
Additionally, states in India cannot 
secede, making the federation 
indestructible.
Territorial Categories
Article 1 categorizes India's territory 
into states and union territories. The 
First Schedule lists 28 states and 8 
union territories, with some states 
having special provisions under Part 
XXI.
Page 4


Union and Territories
Introduction to Part I of the 
Constitution
1
The Union and its 
Territory
Part I of the Constitution, titled 
"The Union and its T erritory" , 
encompasses Articles 1-4. It 
establishes the legal foundation 
for India's territorial composition 
and the union of states.
2
Powers Defined
This section outlines laws for 
establishing, renaming, merging, 
or altering state borders. These 
articles have been invoked in 
significant territorial changes, 
such as the renaming of West 
Bengal and the formation of new 
states like Jharkhand, 
Chhattisgarh, and T elangana.
3
Constitutional Significance
Part I plays a crucial role in defining India's federal structure and the 
relationship between the Union and its constituent parts.
Union of States
India as a 'Union of States'
Article 1 defines India, also known as 
Bharat, as a 'Union of States' rather than 
a 'Federation of States' . This distinction 
emphasizes the country's name and its 
unique political structure.
Dr. Ambedkar's Rationale
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar favored 'Union of 
States' because the Indian Federation 
wasn't formed through state agreement 
like the American Federation. 
Additionally, states in India cannot 
secede, making the federation 
indestructible.
Territorial Categories
Article 1 categorizes India's territory 
into states and union territories. The 
First Schedule lists 28 states and 8 
union territories, with some states 
having special provisions under Part 
XXI.
Parliament's Power to 
Reorganise States
1
Create New States
Parliament can create new states by separating territory from existing states, 
combining states or parts of states, or adding territory to a part of a state.
2
Modify Existing States
Parliament has the power to expand or reduce the area of any state, modify state 
boundaries, and change state names.
3
Conditions for Reorganisation
A bill for state reorganization requires the President's recommendation and 
consultation with the concerned state legislature within a specified timeframe.
4
Parliamentary Supremacy
Parliament is not bound by the views of state legislatures and can act as it deems 
appropriate, even for union territories without consultation.
Page 5


Union and Territories
Introduction to Part I of the 
Constitution
1
The Union and its 
Territory
Part I of the Constitution, titled 
"The Union and its T erritory" , 
encompasses Articles 1-4. It 
establishes the legal foundation 
for India's territorial composition 
and the union of states.
2
Powers Defined
This section outlines laws for 
establishing, renaming, merging, 
or altering state borders. These 
articles have been invoked in 
significant territorial changes, 
such as the renaming of West 
Bengal and the formation of new 
states like Jharkhand, 
Chhattisgarh, and T elangana.
3
Constitutional Significance
Part I plays a crucial role in defining India's federal structure and the 
relationship between the Union and its constituent parts.
Union of States
India as a 'Union of States'
Article 1 defines India, also known as 
Bharat, as a 'Union of States' rather than 
a 'Federation of States' . This distinction 
emphasizes the country's name and its 
unique political structure.
Dr. Ambedkar's Rationale
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar favored 'Union of 
States' because the Indian Federation 
wasn't formed through state agreement 
like the American Federation. 
Additionally, states in India cannot 
secede, making the federation 
indestructible.
Territorial Categories
Article 1 categorizes India's territory 
into states and union territories. The 
First Schedule lists 28 states and 8 
union territories, with some states 
having special provisions under Part 
XXI.
Parliament's Power to 
Reorganise States
1
Create New States
Parliament can create new states by separating territory from existing states, 
combining states or parts of states, or adding territory to a part of a state.
2
Modify Existing States
Parliament has the power to expand or reduce the area of any state, modify state 
boundaries, and change state names.
3
Conditions for Reorganisation
A bill for state reorganization requires the President's recommendation and 
consultation with the concerned state legislature within a specified timeframe.
4
Parliamentary Supremacy
Parliament is not bound by the views of state legislatures and can act as it deems 
appropriate, even for union territories without consultation.
Exchange of Territories with 
Bangladesh
1
100th Constitutional Amendment Act (2015)
Facilitated the exchange of territories between India and Bangladesh, 
involving enclaves, adverse possessions, and border demarcation.
2
Historical Context
India-Bangladesh land boundary disputes arose from the Radcliffe Award 
of 1947, leading to various agreements and legal challenges.
3
Territory Exchange
India transferred 111 enclaves to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh 
transferred 51 enclaves to India, along with resolving adverse possessions 
and undemarcated borders.