# MP restores legal protection for forest staff using firearms 2026-08-07T20:13:08+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Madhya Pradesh government on Friday restored legal protection for forest personnel using firearms on duty, following a Supreme Court order of July 22, 2026. A notification under Section 218(2) of the BNSS, 2023, covers Forest Guards, Range Officers, and other officers, requiring a magisterial inquiry before any FIR or arrest can be made for use of force. The move comes four years after the Lateri firing incident in 2022, when forest staff protesting criminal cases surrendered their firearms. The Supreme Court, in suo motu proceedings on illegal sand mining, noted the 'highly dangerous task' of forest officials and directed the government to act without further delay. Officials say the measure aims to protect bona fide enforcement while ensuring accountability. ## Coverage - newindianexpress.com Tags: firearms, forest officials, legal protection, Madhya Pradesh, Supreme Court, wildlife protection Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/mp-restores-legal-protection-for-forest-staff-using-firearms/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/mp-restores-legal-protection-for-forest-staff-using-firearms/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.