Calcutta HC orders Railways to clarify stand on Swapna Barman's resignation

The Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court has directed the Indian Railways to submit a formal statement by Monday regarding the resignation of Asian Games gold medalist Swapna Barman. Barman, who was recently named as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for the Rajganj Assembly seat, is currently facing a legal deadlock over her employment status with the Alipurduar Division of the Railways.

The controversy began when Barman joined the TMC while still serving as a Staff and Welfare Inspector, leading the Railways to file a complaint against her for violating service discipline. Although she submitted her resignation to contest the 2026 Assembly elections, the Railways has yet to accept it or issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This delay poses a significant threat to her eligibility for filing nomination papers.

During a hearing on Friday, the court reviewed a preliminary report submitted by the Railways. Deputy Solicitor General Sudipta Majumdar confirmed that the judge has now asked the authorities to explicitly state their final position on her resignation by the start of next week. The court's intervention is seen as a critical step in determining whether the star athlete can proceed with her political debut.