The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act has been notified through a Gazette Notification to be enforced effective 19 May. In order to bolster effective command, control and efficient functioning of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs), the Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session of 2023. The Bill received the assent of the President on 15 August last year. The Act empowers Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs to exercise control over Service personnel serving under them for effective maintenance of discipline and administration without disturbing the unique service conditions of each individual Service.
With the notification, the Act will not only empower the Heads of ISOs but also expedite case disposal, eliminate multiple proceedings, and foster greater integration and jointness among the Armed Forces personnel.
The legislation has been brought to ensure better coordination and integrated infrastructure between the three service arms and further strengthen the armed forces’ tradition of discipline. The Act’s notification will provide the impetus for the creation of theatre commands in the coming months.
The current governing provisions for armed forces personnel are outlined in their respective service acts, including the Army Act 1950, the Navy Act 1957, and the Air Force Act 1950. The new Act will have several tangible benefits, such as maintaining effective discipline in inter-service establishments through the heads of ISOs, avoiding the need to revert personnel under disciplinary proceedings to their parent service units, expediting the disposal of cases of misdemeanour or indiscipline, and saving public money and time by avoiding multiple proceedings.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Act would also pave the way for much greater integration and jointness amongst the three services, lay a strong foundation for the creation of joint structures in the future, and further improve the functioning of the Armed Forces. The restructuring of military commands for optimal resource utilisation by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands in which the personnel of the three forces will serve together.
Replying to a Parliamentary discussion on The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the legislation had been introduced to keep in tune with the changing nature of modern warfare and ensure better coordination among the three services.
“It (warfare) is not conventional now; it has become technology and network-centric. It is therefore important that considering the new challenges that we and our forces are facing, there is a need for better coordination. This Bill has been brought for that purpose only,” the Defence Minister had said.
“This Bill has been brought to strengthen our forces. There should be better jointness and integration so that our forces can move faster to achieve the desired results,” he added.
Ravi Shankar
