The Government of India has officially notified the Rules under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act 2023, marking a significant step toward bolstering jointness and operational efficiency in the Armed Forces. These Rules, published through a Gazette Notification, became effective on May 27, 2025.
The Inter-Services Organisations Act, which was passed during the Monsoon Session of Parliament in 2023, received Presidential assent on August 15, 2023. It was brought into force on May 10, 2024, as per a Gazette Notification issued on May 8, 2024. The ISOs themselves were subsequently notified through Gazette Notification No. SRO 72 dated December 27, 2024.
This legislation empowers Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of the ISOs to exercise command and control over service personnel under their purview, ensuring disciplined and efficient functioning within the inter-services framework. Importantly, the Act maintains the distinct service conditions applicable to each branch of the Armed Forces, preventing any disruption to existing operational structures.
The newly notified subordinate Rules, formulated under Section 11 of the Act, serve as critical enablers for implementing the provisions of the legislation. These Rules establish a robust framework for discipline, administrative control, and operational synergy across the ISOs, ensuring that joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force function seamlessly.
With the notification of these Rules, the Act is now fully operational. This will empower the leadership within ISOs, expedite the resolution of disciplinary cases, and eliminate procedural duplication. By streamlining command authority and enhancing inter-services cooperation, the Act is expected to significantly improve operational readiness and overall efficiency within India’s Armed Forces.
