Centre govt notifies new rules for unified command of tri-services

The North News

New Delhi, May 28

The Ministry of Defence has officially brought into force a landmark set of rules aimed at strengthening the authority and operational effectiveness of  top military leadership. From May 27, commanders heading joint military structures — known as Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs), including future theatre commands — will have full disciplinary powers over personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The move follows the formal notification of the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Rules, as published in the Gazette. These rules, framed under Section 11 of the Inter-Services Organisations Act 2023, mark a pivotal shift in how India’s armed forces will operate jointly, particularly in matters of discipline and administration.

While each branch of the military will retain its unique service conditions, the heads of ISOs — typically Commanders-in-Chief or equivalent — will now be legally empowered to exercise full command and control over all service personnel under their charge, regardless of branch affiliation. This authority is expected to streamline operations and cut down delays caused by inter-service procedural differences.

The parent legislation, passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session of 2023 and signed into law by the President on August 15 that year, came into force on May 10, 2024. ISOs were officially recognised in a notification issued in December 2024.

With the subordinate Rules now notified, the Act becomes fully operational — paving the way for quicker decisions, fewer overlapping procedures, and improved coordination between service branches.