Inter-Services Bill grants commanders disciplinary powers over military personnel

This Bill empowers the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of Inter-services Organisations to exercise disciplinary and administrative powers over service personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who are serving under their command. It aims to resolve issues where personnel had to be sent back to their parent services for disciplinary action, which was time-consuming and hindered efficient command and control.

Who it concerns: Service personnel subject to the Air Force Act, 1950, the Army Act, 1950, and the Navy Act, 1957 who are serving in or attached to an Inter-services Organisation. It also applies to persons of other forces specified by the Central Government via notification.

What the bill does

• Empowers the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Chief of an Inter-services Organisation to exercise all disciplinary and administrative powers vested in the respective service heads (e.g., General Officer Commanding the Army).
• Allows the Central Government to constitute Inter-services Organisations, including Joint Services Commands, via notification.
• Deems existing Inter-services Organisations and their commanders as constituted and appointed under this Act.
• Vests superintendence of Inter-services Organisations in the Central Government, which can issue directions on national security or administration.
• Allows the Central Government to declare specific service personnel as being on 'active service' for the purposes of this Act.
• Grants protection from legal proceedings for actions taken in good faith under this Act.
• Provides for the removal of difficulties in implementation by the Central Government for a period of three years.

Also in the document

• The Act has overriding effect, meaning its provisions apply even if they are inconsistent with other laws in force.
• It is an enabling legislation intended to work alongside existing Service Acts without amending them or disturbing unique service conditions.
• Rules made under this Act must be laid before both Houses of Parliament for a total period of thirty days.