Inter - Services Organisation: Govt Notifies Rules for Inter-Services Organisations Act, 2023

The Central Government has officially notified the rules under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act, 2023, through a Gazette notification issued on Tuesday. The rules will come into effect from May 27, 2025, and aim to enhance jointness, operational synergy, and administrative efficiency across the Indian Armed Forces. 

Govt has notified the rules under Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act 2023 which will enable greater jointness and Command efficiency in Armed Forces The Rules formulated under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act… pic.twitter.com/WTzC5kza3e

— ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2025

Joint Command Structure Strengthened

According to the Ministry of Defence, the rules mark a significant move toward institutionalising integrated theatre commands and strengthening coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Act provides empowered leadership to commanders of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) by granting them disciplinary and administrative control over personnel from all three services under their command.

Legislative Background

The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session of 2023. It received Presidential assent on August 15, 2023. As per a Gazette notification dated May 8, 2024, the Act came into force on May 10, 2024.

Key Provisions of the Rules

The notified rules define structural and command responsibilities within ISOs. Key highlights include:

Definition of ISOs and Establishments: The rules define Inter-Services Establishments and Units as joint structures comprising personnel from at least two armed forces under a unified command led by officers of the rank of Major General, Air Vice Marshal, Rear Admiral, or above.

Command in Absence: In situations where the designated commander is unavailable, the next senior-most officer deputed by the higher formation will assume command temporarily.

Unified Disciplinary Authority: Commanders-in-Chief, Commanding Officers, and other designated officers in ISOs are now empowered to exercise full disciplinary and administrative authority over all personnel under their command, irrespective of their parent service, under the respective Service Acts.

Residual Matters: In cases where no specific provisions exist within the Act or relevant service laws, the matter will be referred to the Central Government for a decision.

Enhancing Theatre-Level Operations

The rules aim to streamline command-and-control mechanisms and establish a legal framework for joint operations and administrative coherence. Defence experts have hailed the move as a step closer to India’s long-term goal of integrated theatre commands, which will enhance national security and resource optimisation.