Syllabus:
GS3: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Context:
The Centre has notified the rules formulated under the Inter-Services Organisations Act, 2023, which enable greater jointness and command efficiency in the armed forces.
More on the News
- The Ministry of Defence has issued the gazette notification, which had come into effect on May 27, 2025
- The aim is to bolster effective command, control, and efficient functioning of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs)
- With the notification of these rules, the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act 2023, is now fully operational.
- The newly notified subordinate Rules, are framed under Section 11 of the Act.
- These rules may be called the Inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Rules, 2025.
About the Inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Rules, 2025
Command: In the absence of the Commander-in-Chief, Officer-in-Command, or Commanding Officer (due to leave or other reasons), the officiating officer shall be:
- Notified in the Inter-services Organisation, Establishment, or Unit Orders; or
- In case of emergency (where no such orders are notified), deputed by the next higher formation until formal notification.
- The officiating officer shall exercise all powers of the regular Commander-in-Chief, Officer-in-Command, or Commanding Officer, subject to restrictions under the respective Service Acts, rules, or regulations.
Disciplinary and Administrative Powers: The following authorities shall exercise disciplinary and administrative powers over persons subject to any Service Act and posted or attached to the Inter-services Organisation:
- Commander-in-Chief of a Joint Services Command;
- Officer-in-Command of an Inter-services establishment;
- Commanding Officer of an Inter-services unit.
- Such powers shall be exercised in accordance with the applicable Service Acts, rules, or regulations.
Residuary Provisions: If any issue related to command, control, or disciplinary powers is not explicitly covered in these rules or the Service Acts, it will be referred to the Central Government for a decision.