May 28: In a significant move aimed at bolstering synergy and operational cohesion within the Indian Armed Forces, the Government of India has notified the Rules under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023. The Rules, officially published via Gazette Notification, have come into force from May 27, 2025, and mark a crucial milestone in enhancing the structure and governance of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs).
The Inter-Services Organisations Act, originally passed during the Monsoon Session of Parliament in 2023, received the President’s assent on August 15, 2023, and formally came into effect on May 10, 2024, as per the Gazette Notification dated May 8, 2024. Later, the designation of specific ISOs was made via Gazette Notification No. SRO 72 on December 27, 2024.
The Act empowers Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs with the authority to exercise command, control, and disciplinary powers over service personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who are serving under them. This authority is granted while retaining the distinct service conditions and protocols of each individual force. The goal is to ensure effective administration, streamlined discipline, and an integrated approach to joint operations.
The newly notified Rules, framed under Section 11 of the Act, provide the necessary procedural framework to implement the provisions of the legislation effectively. These subordinate Rules lay down mechanisms for enforcing discipline, overseeing administrative responsibilities, and ensuring smooth coordination among personnel of different services working within joint structures.
By establishing a unified chain of command and empowering leaders of ISOs to take decisive action, the Rules are expected to streamline disciplinary proceedings, reduce redundancies, and avoid duplication of efforts. This, in turn, supports quicker resolution of cases and enhances efficiency in operational execution.
With the Act now fully operational, the Indian Armed Forces move closer to achieving greater jointness—a key goal of military modernization. The initiative reflects a forward-looking approach to integrated warfare and tri-services synergy, in line with the government’s commitment to bolstering national defence.