79. (1) For the prompt and instant repression of irregularities and offences committed, provost marshals with assistants may be appointed by the Chief of Army Staff, or by any prescribed officer. (2) The duties of a provost marshal so appointed shall be to take charge of persons confined for any offence, to preserve good order and discipline, and to prevent breaches of the same by persons subject to this Act. (3) A provost marshal may at any time arrest and detain for trial any person subject to this Act who commits, or is charged with, an offence, and may also carry into effect any punishment to be inflicted in pursuance of a sentence awarded by a court martial, or by an officer exercising authority under section 23 but shall not inflict any punishment on his own authority: Provided that no officer shall be so arrested or detained otherwise than by or under the orders of an officer.(4) For the purposes of sub-sections (2) and (3) “provost marshal” shall be deemed to include an assistant provost marshal appointed under this Act, or a provost marshal or any of his assistants appointed under ¹[* * *] the Air Force Act, 1953, or the ²[Navy Ordinance, 1961].