The Central Administrative Tribunal, Jabalpur Bench, has issued notice on an application filed by the senior-most Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer in Madhya Pradesh challenging the appointment of a junior officer as the Head of Forest Force in the State.

The applicant has assailed the order dated February 28, 2026, appointing Shri Shubharanjan Sen—placed at seniority number 5—as Head of Forest Force, contending that the decision overlooks his seniority and outstanding Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) over the past five years. It is alleged that the appointment was made on extraneous considerations, contrary to the applicable guidelines dated April 16, 2009.

Upon preliminary consideration, the Tribunal issued notices to the Union of India through the Secretary, Forest Department; the State of Madhya Pradesh through its Principal Secretary, Forest Department; the Special Selection Committee through the Chief Secretary of the State; and the appointee, Shri Shubharanjan Sen.

The matter will be taken up after responses are filed by the respondents.

Appearances: 
For the Applicant: Utkarsh Agrawal Advocate;

For the Union of India:  SP Singh Advocate;

For State of MP: Divesh jain Advocate .