Tamil Nadu has seen a number of illustrious Assembly Speakers, though some were controversial. S. Chellapandian (1911-1993), hailing from Tirunelveli that produced strong nationalist- minded persons, is regarded as one of the presiding officers who respected and tried to follow British parliamentary practices. Former President R. Venkataraman praised him for his rulings noted for “soundness and firmness”. Chellapandian knew legislative procedures “so thoroughly that he would not only enforce them but would also guide new members to learn the art,” he said.
On the very day (March 31, 1962) Chellapandian assumed office, the moment came for him to handle the situation deftly. Veteran CPI leader M. Kalyanasundaram, in his third term as the legislator, questioned why the newly constituted House did not commence its proceedings with the Governor’s address. When Finance and Education Minister M. Bhaktavatsalam explained no other business should be transacted that day, Chellapandian ruled that the issue could be raised after Governor Bishnuram Medhi delivered his address, according to the transcript of the proceedings for the day. Eventually, on April 23, 1962, the Governor addressed members of the two Houses at a joint sitting. At that time, the State legislature was bi-cameral.
