Two Kashmiris Who Played a Pivotal Role in Indian Parliamentary Functioning

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

As the Parliament session is underway, it is essential to remember two great Kashmiris who were pioneers in shaping and strengthening India’s Parliamentary functioning through their extraordinary contributions: Maheshwar Nath Kaul and Sham Lal Shakdher. Both hailing from Srinagar,  their work in establishing and laying the foundation for Independent India’s Parliamentary Secretariat is particularly noteworthy.

M N Kaul: Architect of Parliamentary Procedure

Maheshwar Nath Kaul, a distinguished member of the Kashmiri Pandit community, served as the first Secretary of the Lok Sabha from 1947 to 1958. Born on 16 September 1901 in Srinagar, Kaul’s father, Manmohan Nath Kaul, was the Governor of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State. Young Kaul pursued his education at the University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics, obtaining a law degree from Middle Temple. In 1926, he married Sukhraj Kak, daughter of Sir Shukhdev Prasad Kak, the then Prime Minister of Udaipur state.

Kaul initially aspired to be a Professor of Economics and was selected for the same at Banaras Hindu University. However, at his father’s insistence, he began his legal practice in 1927 at Allahabad under the guidance of Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Dr. K. N. Katju. A profound reader with a strong passion for writing, Kaul co-authored several books on Parliamentary procedures with his successor, Sham Lal Shakdhar. Their  authoritative book, “Practice and Procedure of Parliament” remains a key reference for understanding Parliamentary operations in India.

Kaul also served as the editor of the prestigious Allahabad Law Journal from 1927 to 1937. In 1937, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Legislative Assembly under Speaker Sir Abdur Rahim and later officiated as Secretary of the Central Assembly in 1939. From 1947 to 1950, he served as the Secretary of the Constituent Assembly, and from 1950 to 1964, he held the office of Secretary of the Provisional Parliament and later Lok Sabha. Kaul played a crucial role in framing the articles of the Constitution related to Parliament and in creating a new institutional fabric for an independent and efficient Parliamentary Secretariat.

Upon his retirement in 1963, Kaul passed the baton to his colleague Sham Lal Shakdhar, who  regarded  the former as his “Guru.” Kaul was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1966 and again in 1970. Due to his vast knowledge of Parliamentary Affairs, he was appointed as the Director General of the Institute of Constitution and Parliamentary Studies in 1973. Kaul passed away on 20 November 1984.

S L  Shakdher: Reformer and Electoral Visionary

Sham Lal Shakdhar, another esteemed Kashmiri Pandit, who was Kaul’s deputy, later served as the Secretary of the Lok Sabha from 1964 to 1977 and finally as the Chief Election Commissioner of India from 1977 to 1982. His tenure in these roles marked a period of significant reform and administrative enhancement in both Parliamentary procedures and electoral management.

Shakdher introduced several reforms aimed at improving legislative efficiency and effectiveness. He refined parliamentary procedures, ensuring their smooth implementation and adherence to democratic norms. As Chief Election Commissioner, he oversaw the conduct of elections during a crucial period in India’s democratic evolution, working to enhance the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. Shakdhar also worked as an Editor for “The Journal of Parliamentary Information”.

Combined Legacy

Together, Srinagar-born M. N. Kaul and S. L. Shakdhar made indelible contributions to the functioning of the Indian Parliament. Kaul’s foundational work in establishing procedural norms and Shakdhar’s reforms in both Parliamentary and electoral domains have ensured that India’s legislative and electoral processes are robust, transparent, and democratic. Their combined efforts have had a profound and lasting impact on the governance of India, upholding the principles of democracy and accountability. Their pioneering roles in shaping independent India’s Parliamentary Secretariat continue to inspire future generations.