The government published the Inter-Services Organizations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act in the Gazette. It will become law on May 10, 2024. According to a statement from the Ministry, the President signed the bill supporting effective command, control, and efficient running of the ISOs on August 15, 2023, after it had passed both Houses of Parliament during the 2023 Monsoon Session.
“The Inter-Services Organizations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act has been notified through a Gazette Notification to be enforced with effect from May 10, 2024.” said an MoD statement issued on Friday.
Both Houses of Parliament enacted the measure during the monsoon session of Parliament last year to support the effective command, control, and operation of ISOs. August 15, 2023, saw the President give his approval.
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As per Business Standard, the Act will give officers-in-command and commanders-in-chief of ISOs administrative and disciplinary authority over the staff members working for or associated with such organisations. At the moment, the Army Act 1950, the Navy Act 1957, and the Air Force Act 1950 govern armed forces members of all three branches.
The Act allows 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 service, according to a MoD statement outlining the implications of this step.
“A step towards greater integration and jointness among the armed forces personnel, the Act will empower the heads of ISOs, pave the way for expeditious disposal of cases, and avoid multiple proceedings,” the statement stated.
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The Act will expeditiously handle cases of misbehavior or indiscipline, save public money and time by avoiding several procedures, and promote the maintenance of discipline in inter-service establishments by removing the need to revert personnel for disciplinary proceedings to their parent units.
Senior MoD officials describe it as an “Enabling Act” that does not suggest any modifications to the long-standing, time-tested Service Acts, Rules, or Regulations that have survived at least 60 years of judicial examination.
Ultimately, the Service Acts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force will still apply to service members serving in an ISO. All it accomplishes is to give ISO leaders the authority to use the administrative and disciplinary measures associated with the service they oversee.
