Central Government Notifies New Rules Under Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023

The central government recently notified new rules under the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023 to make sure that a unified command across the three defences (Army, Navy, and Air Force) can be put together for the national defence of the country.

The rules aim to strengthen the effective command, control, and efficient functioning of the ISOs, and will come into effect from May 27, according to the Defence Ministry.

This move by the Centre comes in the backdrop of the recent tension between India and Pakistan after the April 22nd Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

The rules, after the new changes, will be applicable to all personnel subject to the Army Act, 1950, the Navy Act, 1957, and the Air Force Act, 1955, for their service in the Inter-Services Organisation (ISOs).

As per the Gazette notification, the bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session of 2023. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill on August 15, 2023, after which the Act came into force with effect from May 10, 2024.

As per the notification, “the Commander-in-Chief of a Joint Services Command, Officer-in-Command of an Inter-Service Establishment, and Commanding Officer of an Inter-Services Unit shall exercise all disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel under any of the Service Acts posted or attached to the Inter-Services Organisation in accordance with the Service Acts, rules, or regulations applicable to such person.”

The Act is likely to strengthen the ISO Chief and enable quick disposal of proceedings.