Facing death row, Parliament attack convict Mohammed Afzal Guru has sought refuge in novels and religious scriptures in his cell in Tihar Jail.

Afzal, whose mercy petition filed by his family is pending before President A P J Abdul Kalam [Images], has asked jail library officials for fiction books and a copy of the Holy Quran.

"He had asked for a few Urdu novels and a copy of the Holy Quran, which have been provided to him," jail sources told PTI.

The former Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front member has also sought permission to move about in the courtyard and garden near his cell, which has been granted, they said.

"As he was confined to his cell in the jail, he was getting bored. Therefore, we granted him the permission to move around," the sources said.

His health condition, checked on a daily basis by the jail doctor, is stated to be normal. "He is absolutely fine. His health is okay and he is having normal diet," sources said.

Convicted in the December 13, 2001, Parliament attack case, Afzal has been given death sentence, execution of which was to take place on October 20.

However, with his mercy petition pending before the President, there is a possibility that the execution will not take place on the scheduled date.