MP Govt Mandates Magisterial Probe Before Action Against Forest Staff

The Madhya Pradesh government has made it mandatory for a magisterial probe to be conducted before any police action can be taken against forest staff who use firearms while on duty. This decision applies to all forest personnel, including forest guards, forest rangers, and field directors, who are entrusted with maintaining public order in matters relating to forest and wildlife conservation.

According to the government, the provisions under Section 218(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will be applicable in such cases. The executive magistrate of the concerned area will conduct an inquiry, and police action, including registration of an FIR or arrest, can only be taken if the magisterial inquiry establishes that the firearm was used unnecessarily or excessively.

The government stated that the decision to equip forest personnel with firearms was taken due to the growing threat to wildlife conservation and security in forest areas. Forest personnel often face malicious criminal action because of the use of firearms while discharging their duties. Therefore, it was necessary to protect them from prosecution without prior sanction.

The decision was taken in light of the Supreme Court's directions in a writ petition and the powers conferred under Section 218(3) of the BNSS, 2023. Former forest officer Nirmal Tiwari welcomed the government's decision, stating that forest personnel often faced police action after opening fire while on duty.

The move is expected to provide relief to forest personnel who have been facing prosecution and police action for using firearms while on duty. The government's decision aims to shield them from unnecessary prosecution and ensure that they can discharge their duties without fear of repercussions.

The Madhya Pradesh government's decision is a significant step towards protecting forest personnel who are working to conserve and protect the state's wildlife and forests. The move is expected to boost the morale of forest staff and enable them to perform their duties more effectively.

In recent years, there have been several instances of forest personnel facing police action and prosecution for using firearms while on duty. The government's decision is expected to put an end to such instances and ensure that forest staff are not harassed or intimidated by police action.

The decision is also expected to have a positive impact on the conservation and protection of wildlife in Madhya Pradesh. With forest personnel feeling more secure and protected, they will be able to focus on their duties and work more effectively to conserve and protect the state's wildlife and forests.

Overall, the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to mandate a magisterial probe before police action can be taken against forest staff is a welcome step towards protecting forest personnel and ensuring that they can discharge their duties without fear of repercussions. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the conservation and protection of wildlife in the state and boost the morale of forest staff.

The government's decision is a significant development in the state's efforts to protect and conserve its wildlife and forests. With the growing threat to wildlife conservation and security in forest areas, the government's move is expected to provide relief to forest personnel and enable them to perform their duties more effectively.

In conclusion, the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to mandate a magisterial probe before police action can be taken against forest staff is a significant step towards protecting forest personnel and ensuring that they can discharge their duties without fear of repercussions. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the conservation and protection of wildlife in the state and boost the morale of forest staff.