The Bombay High Court on Monday said it is comical to know that authorities of Taloja Central Jail refused to hand over a book written by famous author and humorist P.G. Wodehouse to journalist and activist Gautam Navlakha citing "security risk."
A division bench of Justices S.B. Shukre and G.A. Sanap said, "This shows the attitude of the jail authorities. It is the job of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), as prosecuting agency, to ensure that the arrested person"s life is made comfortable in jail. At least basic needs should be met."
Abysmal conditions
The bench was hearing a petition filed by Mr. Navlakha, accused in the Bhima Koregaon caste violence case, seeking to be shifted to house arrest from Taloja jail due to his age and medical conditions. Advocate Yug Chaudhry representing Mr Navlakha said he was 70 years old and charges had not yet been framed in the case. He said Mr. Navlakha does not want to suffer the same fate as co-accused late Father Stan Swamy who died in judicial custody.
Mr. Chaudhry detailed how Taloja prison authorities refused Mr Navlakha a chair to sit on despite him suffering from excruciating pain adding that after his spectacles were stolen, the jail authorities refused to accept the fresh pair of spectacles sent by his family.
He added, "Books are being refused. A book by P.G. Wodehouse, that is considered a humour book, was sent by his family and the jail authorities refused to hand it to him saying it was a "security risk" twice."
The court then asked for the order by the jail, refusing the book. After the order was given to the court, the bench sought a response from the NIA. The bench asked NIA's counsel Sandesh Patil asked, "Is this true? Wodehouse is considered a security threat? This is really comical. Wodehouse was a source of inspiration for Marathi writer and humorist P L Deshpande."
The court noted, "The petition makes specific allegations against the jail authorities and the poor conditions of jail. These conditions show complete neglect and justify Mr Navlakha's demand for house arrest but still the State government is not bothered."
Referring to the affidavit filed by the State on allegations made by Mr Navlakha regarding poor conditions of Taloja prison, the court said, "The reply affidavit of the State prima facie gives us an impression that whatever is alleged by the petitioner might be true."
The court was miffed that no representative of the Maharashtra government was present and said the Advocate General must consider taking action against the erring law officer. After a while, additional public prosecutor Sangeeta Shinde appeared in court and apologized for not being present earlier.
The bench said it would refrain from passing strictures if Ms. Shinde submitted a written apology. The court then posted the matter for further hearing on April 5.
