Former Lok Sabha Secretary General and constitutional expert Subhash C. Kashyap passed away in New Delhi yesterday following a prolonged illness. He was 97. Dr Kashyap was part of the high-level committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind to prepare a legal framework on simultaneous elections. Author of over 100 books, he served as the secretary general of Lok Sabha from 1983 to 1990. 

 

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan has expressed grief at the passing of Dr Kashyap. In a social media post, Mr Radhakrishnan said that Dr Kashyap made invaluable contributions to the understanding of India’s Constitution and parliamentary democracy through his scholarship, writings, and public service. The Vice President further added that his intellect, clarity of thought, and unwavering commitment to democratic institutions earned him the respect and admiration of generations.

 

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Dr Kashyap was one of India’s foremost constitutional scholars whose contributions to parliamentary and constitutional discourse enriched the society. The Prime Minister said that his writings and commitment to strengthening democratic institutions were noteworthy.

 

In his message, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that Dr Kashyap was a living encyclopedia of the Indian Constitution and parliamentary system. He emphasised that his life, shaped by the inspirations of the freedom movement, was an exemplary model of national service, knowledge, and ethical commitment. Mr Birla further added that Mr Kashyap’s contribution in taking the understanding of Parliament, the Constitution, and democratic institutions to every individual will always remain memorable.  The Speaker added that his demise is a profound loss to Indian parliamentary democracy, constitutional discourse, and public life.