Section 15(1) in The M.P. Forest (Contract) Rules, 1927
(1)A forest contractor shall be responsible for any damage that may be done in a reserved forest by himself or his servants and agents. The compensation for such damage shall be assessed by the Divisional Forest Officer, whose decision shall be deemed to be that of an arbitrator and shall be final and binding on the parties, except to the extent that it shall be subject to an appeal to the Conservator of Forests.Explanation. - For the purposes of this sub-rule an agent shall be deemed to include a sub-contractor and any person to whom the forest contractor has given a licence or permit entitling him to take a portion of the forest produce sold under the forest contract; but shall not be deemed to include a person to whom the forest contractor has assigned all his rights under the contract, in accordance with sub-rule (2) of Rule 33.
