Tolstoy’s War and Peace lands India activist in trouble

Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace is in the news in India after a judge asked an activist to explain why he had a book about war in another country.

Vernon Gonsalves had appeared in the high court in Mumbai city for a hearing on his bail plea.

The judge’s question sparked a flurry of reactions, with users both outraged and bemused by it.

Five activists, including Mr Gonsalves, were arrested in August 2018 in connection with caste-based violence.

Police raided and searched their homes at the time and submitted a list of books, documents and other belongings to the court.

The public prosecutor told the court that police had found incriminating evidence in Mr Gonsalves’ home, including books and CDs with objectionable titles.