MP forest department to pay Rs 1.20 crore compensation
The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has been left with no option but to comply with a Calcutta High Court order directing it to pay Rs 1.20 crore as compensation to Kalpataru Agro Forest Enterprises Private Limited, following the dismissal of its review petition filed after an unexplained delay of 552 days.
The High Court’s order clears the way for the reopening of the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) offices in Balaghat, which were sealed earlier under court directions after the State failed to honour long-pending payment obligations. The offices will be reopened only after the compensation amount is deposited, the court has made clear.
Reacting to the development, Head of Forest Force (HoFF) VN Ambade acknowledged the department’s failure and accepted responsibility. Speaking to The Pioneer, Ambade described the situation as unfortunate and said compliance was unavoidable. “It is a sad situation. Nothing can be done now. The department will have to pay the compensation. This is the outcome of laxity by our officials,” he said, adding that stern action would be taken against the officials found guilty of negligence.
Sources said the core of the dispute originated when Kalpataru Agro Forest Enterprises filed an application for a permanent lease of land where they had planted trees, arguing this constituted an agricultural purpose under the relevant law.
The case has its origins in 2015, when a dispute involving unpaid dues to the petitioner company first reached the court. That year, the court had issued attachment (kurki) orders, but the Forest Department failed to make the required payment despite repeated directions. As per records, the State was liable to pay Rs 28.33 lakh, along with 10 per cent annual interest for the period from April 10, 2024, to June 20, 2025. Continued non-compliance eventually led to coercive measures.
On July 11, 2025, an advocate acting on behalf of the petitioner executed the court order on the ground, sealing the CCF and DFO offices in Balaghat. The action disrupted forest administration in the district and triggered widespread criticism of the department’s handling of the matter.
The Forest Department later sought relief by filing a review petition, but the High Court refused to entertain it, citing the inordinate delay and lack of justification. The court upheld its earlier directions, leaving the department with no legal remedy.
Officials said steps are now being initiated to arrange the payment and restore normal functioning of the sealed offices.
It is a sad situation. Nothing can be done now. The department will have to pay the compensation. This is the outcome of laxity by our officials — VN Ambade, Head of Forest Force
