The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken a significant step towards streamlining military justice within India's armed forces. The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, formally notified to take effect in May 2024, empowers commanders of joint-service units to maintain discipline and handle administrative concerns for personnel from all branches under their command.
Key Changes Under the New Law
- Unified Command: Commanders of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs), which bring together Army, Navy, and Air Force members, will have disciplinary authority over all personnel in the unit. This streamlines processes and promotes jointness in operations.
- Respecting Service-Specific Regulations: Personnel will still be governed by the well-established regulations of their respective branches (the Army Act, Air Force Act, and Navy Act). This new law primarily addresses potential issues within the integrated units themselves.
Why This Change is Significant
- Faster Resolution of Issues: Previously, disciplinary matters might have required reverting personnel back to their original branch, causing delays. Now,ISO commanders can act swiftly, improving unit cohesion and readiness. An MoD statement explains the benefits: “The Act will empower the Heads of ISOs and pave the way for expeditious disposal of cases, avoid multiple proceedings and will be a step towards greater integration and jointness among the armed forces personnel.”
- Enhanced Jointness: Improved coordination between the three wings of the Indian military is crucial in modern warfare. This law paves the way for closer integration and smoother joint operations.
- Potential for Future Theater Commands: This legislation is seen as a step towards the creation of theater commands, which will combine forces from multiple branches for strategic operations.
