In 1946, French India (Inde française) became Overseas territory (Territoire d'outre-mer) of France.

[1][2]: 99 During the start of Fourth Republic, by decree nº 46–2381, dated 25 October 1946, passed by the Government of France instituted a Representative Assembly in the French India.

French India consisted of five establishments, namely, Pondichéry, Chandernagore, Karikal, Mahé and Yanaon.

[3]: 1044–1046 As per Article 2 of the decree, the composition of the assembly is determined as below[3]: 1028 Pondicherry (6): Mouttalpeth, Couroussoucoupom, Cassicade, Pondicherry, Bussy Street, Ouppalam Ariancoupom (3): Archivak–Ariancoupom, Tavalacoupom Bahour (2): Bahour, Courouvinatam–Karaiamputtur Modéliarpeth (2): Mouroungapacom, Nellitope Oulgaret (4): Oulgaret, Calapeth, Saram–Lawspet, Rettiarpaleom Nettapacom (2): Nettapacom, Embalam Tiroubouvané (2): Sellipet–Suthukeni, Mannadipet Villenour (2): Villenour, Oussoudou This Assembly met twice in ordinary sessions of 30 days duration and twice in extraordinary sessions of 15 days.

The Governor or head of the French Indian administration assured the implementation of the decisions or opinions of the Assembly.

[2]: 99–101 Chandernagore has been merged into Indian Union by a referendum held on 19 June 1949, where its people overwhelmingly voted for merger with India.