What You Need to Know About the New Inter-Services Organisations Act 2023

New Regulations Under the Inter-Services Organisations Act

New Delhi: The Central government has officially announced the rules under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act 2023, aimed at enhancing joint operations and command efficiency within the Armed Forces.

These newly established rules, which were published in a gazette notification, took effect on May 27.

According to a statement released by the government on Wednesday, this pivotal move is designed to improve the command, control, and operational effectiveness of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs), thereby fostering greater collaboration among the Armed Forces.

The legislation was approved by both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of 2023.

It received presidential assent on August 15, 2023, and the Act is set to be implemented starting May 10, 2024, as indicated in the Gazette Notification dated May 08, 2024. Following this, the ISOs were formally recognized through Gazette Notification No. SRO 72 on December 27, 2024.

This Act grants Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of the ISOs the authority to manage and oversee the service personnel under their command, ensuring proper discipline and administration without changing the specific service conditions of each Armed Forces branch.

The subordinate Rules, created under Section 11 of the Act, are designed to support the effective execution of the Act's provisions.

These Rules are essential for the operation of the ISOs, providing a detailed framework for discipline, administrative oversight, and operational collaboration.

With the implementation of these Rules, the Act is now fully functional, empowering ISO leaders to handle disciplinary matters swiftly and prevent redundant proceedings.

According to the notification, "In the absence of the Commander-in-Chief, Officer-in-Command, or Commanding Officer, the officer designated to act in their place will be announced in the Inter-services Organisation, Establishment, or Unit Orders, and in emergencies, by an officer appointed by the next higher formation until the official appointment is made."

"The acting officer, as the Commander-in-Chief, Officer-in-Command, or Commanding Officer, will exercise any powers granted to them, subject to the limitations set forth in the respective Service Acts, rules, or regulations."

Regarding disciplinary and administrative authority, the notification states, "The Commander-in-Chief of a Joint Services Command, Officer-in-Command of an Inter-services establishment, and Commanding Officer of an Inter-services unit will hold all disciplinary and administrative powers over individuals subject to any of the Service Acts."