R. Prasannan (September 20, 1929 – August 19, 2008) was an Indian academic, commissioner and a Malayalam author.

He received his initial education in Kerala - B.L. and LL.M. degrees from Kerala University, followed by LL.M. and Ph.D. (Law) from Yale University, USA.

Prasannan held the following posts:

• Professor and Dean, Post-Graduate Studies in Law, Kerala and Calicut University
• Secretary, Kerala Legislative Assembly from 6.11.1969 - 27.4.1984^[1]
• Member, Kerala Public Men ( Prevention of Corruption) Commission
• Member, Kerala Backward Classes Commission
• Commissioner, Sree Narayana Trust ( Government Appointment)
• Member, National Commission for Backward Classes from 05.9.93 to 04.8.96^[2]

Prasannan authored eight books in Malayalam. Most notable is "Niyamasabhayil Nishabthanaaye" (Niyamasabhayil niśśabdanāyi) for which he received the 'Sahodharan Ayyappan' Award.^{[citation needed]} He has also authored several magazine and journal articles in English and Malayalam.