them. Condemned prisoners allowed usage of books. Rule344. A condemned prisoner who can read should be encouraged to read suitable books from the prison library. He may also be permitted to obtain at his own expense such books, as may be approved by the Superintendent. Newspapers shall also be allowed. Smoking by condemned prisoners. Rule345. Condemned prisoners are allowed to smoke cigarettes or biris at their own expense, but these will be obtained through the prison. Prisoners who smoke and are unable to obtain cigarettes at their own cost, may be given five cigarettes daily at Government expense. Prohibition against fetters. Rule346. Condemned prisoners shall not be fettered except as punishment or when on transfer. Precautions for women prisoners. Rule347. In case of woman prisoner under sentence of death-(i) the prisoner shall be guarded by women warders; (ii) the search of the prisoner shall be conducted by a woman warder without the presence of any male official, but the cell shall be examined by the Assistant Superintendent. (iii) the food shall be distributed by a woman warder in the presence of the Assistant Superintendent; and (iv) the prisoner shall not be handcuffed when she is allowed into the cell yard. Women certified to be pregnant. Rule348. When a women prisoner sentenced to death is certified by Medical Officer to be pregnant, the warrant with the fact noted on it, shall be returned to the Sessions Judge, who is empowered to direct the postponement of the execution pending the orders of the High Court. When a woman declares herself pregnant. Rule349. When a woman prisoner sentenced to death declares herself to be pregnant and the Medical Officer is unable to certify the correctness-of otherwise of the statement, he shall record the fact in writing and the interval of time necessary to enable him to arrive at a definite decision. This record alongwith the warrant, shall be forwarded to the Sessions Judge. The sentence may be postponed or commuted. 128