The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023 enforced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) from May 10, 2024, aligns with the Government’s theaterisation plan, aiming to integrate the Indian Army (IA), Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Navy (IN) capabilities.
- This legislation grants disciplinary and administrative powers to the heads of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) to ensure efficient resource utilization during wars and operations.
What is in the Act?
Passed during the Monsoon Session of 2023 and assented by the President on August 15, 2023, it empowers Commanders-in-Chief (CIC) and Officers-in-Command (OIC) of ISOs to exercise disciplinary and administrative control over service personnel.
- It facilitates expeditious case disposal and fosters greater integration and jointness among Armed Forces personnel.
Key Points:
i.Existing ISOs such as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Defence Space Agency, and National Defence Academy will be recognized under the Act.
ii.The central government can establish ISOs with personnel from at least two of the three services (IA, IAF and IN), led by an OIC.
iii.ISOs may include Joint Services Commands, headed by a Commander-in-Chief.
iv.Eligible CIC candidates include the following high-ranking officers from the IA, IAF and IN.
- General Officer of the regular Army (above the rank of Brigadier)
- Flag Officer of the Navy (rank of Admiral of the Fleet, Admiral, Vice-Admiral, or Rear-Admiral)
- Air Officer of the Air Force (above the rank of group captain).
- CIC holds disciplinary and administrative powers equivalent to senior officers in each service.
v.A Commanding Officer within an ISO oversees unit, ship, or establishment operations, acting under the direction of the CIC or OIC, and has authority over personnel within the organization.
Previous Scenario & need of Change:
Historically, armed forces personnel were governed by separate laws (Air Force Act, 1950; Army Act, 1950; Navy Act, 1957), hindering unified command, control, and discipline. Without disciplinary powers of CIC of joint service and OIC of ISO, accused personnel under joint services command or other ISOs returned to their respective service units for disciplinary or administrative actions.
- This resulted in lengthy processes for case resolution, incurring financial costs and time delays.
- The new legislation addresses these shortcomings, enabling faster case resolution and efficient disciplinary action, ultimately saving time and public funds.
Recent Related News:
i.The Ministry of Defence, Government of India and the Ministry for the Armed Forces, French Republic signed a Letter of Intent on Defence Space Partnership.
ii.MoD has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure 11
Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS) along with associated equipment / accessories for the Indian Navy (IN) at a cost of Rs 2,167.47 crore.
About Ministry of Defence:
Union Defence Minister– Rajnath Singh (Constituency – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Minister of State– Ajay Bhatt (Constituency- Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar, Uttarakhand)
