Constitution of India · Part VIII: The Union Territories
Article 239AB: Provision in case of failure of constitutional machinery
In plain words
If the President, on a report from the Lieutenant Governor or otherwise, is satisfied that the National Capital Territory cannot be administered according to article 239AA or laws under it, or that it is necessary for its proper administration, the President can by order suspend any of those provisions and make incidental provisions to administer it under articles 239 and 239AA.
A simplified explanation, prepared with AI assistance from the official text below and checked automatically against it for numbers and cross-references. The official text is the law and prevails over this summary. Not legal advice.
Official text
If the President, on receipt of a report from the Lieutenant Governor or otherwise, is satisfied—
(a) that a situation has arisen in which the administration of the National Capital Territory cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of article 239AA or of any law made in pursuance of that article; or
(b) that for the proper administration of the National Capital Territory it is necessary or expedient so to do, the President may by order suspend the operation of any provision of article 239AA or of all or any of the provisions of any law made in pursuance of that article for such period and subject to such conditions as may be specified in such law and make such incidental and consequential provisions as may appear to him to be necessary or expedient for administering the National Capital Territory in accordance with the provisions of article 239 and article 239AA.]
Source: India Code (Legislative Department), the official text of the Constitution of India. As amended up to the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023. Text as on 10 September 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the article 239AB
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Government of NCT of Delhi v. Office of Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
Whether the Lt. Governor can exercise power of nomination under Section 3(3)(b)(i) of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 as a statutory duty attached to his office or he is bound by the aid and advice of the…
- Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India
- Govt. of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India
- New Delhi Municipal Council v. State of Punjab Etc. Etc.