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.”

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.”