The Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh has announced the formation of a specialized Legal Cell at its headquarters in Bhopal. This initiative is part of an effort to improve the management of court cases related to the department. An official circular from the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) outlined that there have been instances where officers-in-charge failed to submit timely responses or were absent during court proceedings. Such lapses have not only affected the department’s reputation but also hindered its ability to adequately represent its interests in legal matters.

Monitoring and Compliance to Be Enhanced

The order highlighted the absence of a systematic approach at the headquarters to consistently supervise ongoing court cases. To address this gap, the Legal Cell will be established at Van Bhawan, the office of the Forest Department in Bhopal. VN Ambade, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, emphasized the importance of the new structure. He noted that the Legal Cell aims to ensure timely responses to legal challenges and prevent possible contempt of court situations. He further stated that previous delays and inconsistent handling of cases would now be rectified through this dedicated framework.

Development of a Legal Cell Portal

As part of the initiative, a Legal Cell portal will be created to maintain records of all upcoming court proceedings as well as provide updates on past cases. This portal is intended to facilitate better documentation and tracking of legal matters, fostering a more organized workflow. The order assigned the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Production) as the overseeing officer of the Legal Cell, indicating a structured leadership approach for this new entity.

IT Support for Enhanced Functionality

The Information Technology wing of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department will play a crucial role in developing the Legal Cell portal. This collaboration is aimed at ensuring efficient monitoring and communication within the Legal Cell. Officers, along with staff members who have experience handling legal cases, will be appointed to the new cell as needed, thus leveraging existing knowledge within the department.

Operational Timeline for the Legal Cell

The newly established Legal Cell is set to become functional from February 15, 2026. The implementation of this cell marks a significant step towards strengthening the legal framework within the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and ensuring that all legal affairs are managed with increased diligence and efficiency.

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