Kolkata: EC on Sunday issued a certificate under Section 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, clearing Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Barman to contest the Bengal assembly elections on a Trinamool ticket from Rajganj — a day before the nomination deadline.
Barman had applied to the EC after being dismissed from her post as staff and welfare inspector with NF Railway following disciplinary proceedings. She was charged with associating with a political party while in service, in violation of the Railway Services (Conduct) Rules, 1966 — charges that also included failure to maintain integrity and conduct unbecoming of a railway employee.
The clearance hinged on a crucial distinction under Section 9, which disqualifies candidates dismissed for corruption or disloyalty to the state. The EC found that neither applied in Barman's case. "It is certified that Swapna Barman has not been dismissed for corruption or for disloyalty to the state," EC stated.