Part 9A of Indian Constitution: Urban Local Bodies & Municipalities (Articles 243P-243ZG)

Part IX A of the Indian Constitution is related to the Municipalities from Article 243P- 243ZG .

Part 9A of Indian Constitution- Overview

Part IXA of Indian Constitution was inserted by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992. It provides a framework for urban local self-governance through Municipalities. This part aims to decentralize power and enhance democracy at the grassroots level in urban areas. It establishes guidelines for the structure, composition, powers and functions of Municipalities which enables local bodies like Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations to manage local governance in small to large urban areas.

Part IXA also includes provisions for election, duration, reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women, financial autonomy and duties of Municipalities. 

Download 5 Key Takeaways on Part 9A of Indian Constitution PDF

Following is a brief scheme of Part IX A of Indian Constitution:

Part	Articles	Description
Part IXA	Article 243P	Definitions
	Article 243Q	Constitution of Municipalities
	Article 243R	Composition of Municipalities
	Article 243S	Constitution and composition of Wards Committees Etc.
	Article 243T	Reservation of seats
	Article 243U	Duration of Municipalities etc.
	Article 243V	Disqualifications for membership
	Article 243W	Powers, authority and responsibilities of Municipalities, etc
	Article 243X	Power to impose taxes by, and Funds of, the Municipalities
	Article 243Y	Finance Commission
	Article 243Z	Audit of accounts of Municipalities
	Article 243ZA	Elections to the Municipalities
	Article 243ZB	Application to Union territories
	Article 243ZC	Part not to apply to certain areas
	Article 243ZD	Committee for district planning
	Article 243ZE	Committee for Metropolitan planning
	Article 243ZF	Continuance of existing laws and Municipalities
	Article 243ZG	Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters

Here are few landmark cases related to Part IX A of the Indian Constitution -

1. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai v. Kohinoor CTNL Infrastructure Co. Ltd. (2014)

In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the importance of urban local self-governance under Part IXA. The Court emphasized that municipal bodies must function autonomously and cannot be bypassed by state authorities in matters of local governance. This case reinforced the idea that the constitutional status of municipalities must be respected, and their role in planning and development is vital.

2. Union of India v. R.C. Jain (1981)

Although this case predates the 74th Amendment, it helped define what constitutes a "municipality". The Supreme Court ruled that for any body to be called a municipality, it must perform municipal functions such as sanitation, water supply, and street lighting. This case laid a foundational understanding for later interpretations under Part IXA, especially in identifying which bodies fall under its scope.

3. S. Pushpa v. Sivachanmugavelu (2005)

This case dealt with the reservation of seats in municipalities, particularly for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as mandated under Article 243T of Part IXA. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional provision for reservation in urban local bodies and emphasized the role of