India amends Inter-State Council rules for Union Territory lieutenant governors

President Droupadi Murmu has amended the rules governing the Inter-State Council to allow lieutenant governors of Puducherry, Jammu and Kashmir, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi to participate in council meetings when President’s rule is imposed in these Union Territories.

The amendment, notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, updates the Inter-State Council Order of 1990. The original order established a council composed of the prime minister, chief ministers of all states, specified Union Territory representatives, and six Union ministers of Cabinet rank.

The new provision replaces a 1990 proviso that addressed the attendance of governors in states under Article 356 or in the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The updated four-part provision retains the right for state governors to attend meetings under Article 356 while specifically adding the participation of lieutenant governors for the three Union Territories with assemblies during periods of President's rule.