NEW DELHI: Subhash C Kashyap, whose encyclopaedic knowledge of constitutional law and parliamentary affairs made him the go-to person for politicians, bureaucrats and journalists alike, and whose books on Parliament became bestsellers and mandatory reading for students of political science and law, died at his residence following “cardio-pulmonary arrest” on Thursday morning. He was 97.Kashyap served as Lok Sabha’s secretary general from 1984-90, but was associated with Parliament for over three and a half decades. “Be it privilege motions, anti-defection law, impeachment, expelling or disciplining members, he was the person everyone consulted whenever there was a dispute related to parliamentary procedure,” said former Prasar Bharti chairman, A Surya Prakash, who as a journalist reported extensively on Parliament.Born in May 1929 in Chandpur village in United Provinces’ (now UP) Bijnor district, Kashyap came from a family of freedom fighters. As a teenager, he actively participated in the national struggle for independence leading student movements in Bijnor and Meerut, a biographical note said. Kashyap received higher education in Allahabad, New Delhi, Washington DC and London. He launched his professional career as a journalist, taught at University of Allahabad, and trained as an advocate in the same city before joining Parliament. “He was approached for advice by members of the ruling party as well as the opposition. He was accessible and helpful to all. Many mediapersons would consult him whenever there was a crisis in Parliament regarding procedure — an adjournment motion, a privilege motion or a no-confidence motion,” said Surya Prakash.A prolific author and a Padma Bhushan recipient, he wrote the magisterial six volume set, ‘History of the Parliament of India’. President Draupadi Murmu condoled Kashyap’s demise. “Through his scholarship and insight, he enriched the study of Constitution and the evolution of our parliamentary system,” she said on X.
