The correct answer is A. R. K. Narayan.
A. R. K. Narayan (1906-2001) was an Indian writer best known for his novels set in the fictional town of Malgudi. Waiting for the Mahatma is one of his most famous novels. It was published in 1955 and tells the story of a young man named Srinivas who is caught up in the Indian independence movement.
B. N. A. Palkhiwala (1920-2016) was an Indian lawyer and jurist. He was the first Indian to be appointed as a judge of the International Court of Justice. He is not the author of the book ‘Waiting for the Mahatma’.
C. Amrita Pritam (1919-2005) was an Indian Punjabi poet and writer. She is considered one of the most important writers in the Punjabi language. She is not the author of the book ‘Waiting for the Mahatma’.
D. Manohar Malgonkar (1913-2002) was an Indian novelist and short story writer. He is best known for his novels set in the Indian Army. He is not the author of the book ‘Waiting for the Mahatma’.