New Delhi: Following a political row after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sought to quote unpublished “pre-print” of ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, Penguin Random House India has clarified that the memoir of former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has not yet been published or released in any form.
In a statement issued on Monday, Penguin Random House India said that it holds the sole publishing rights and “unauthorised distribution” of any copy of the book amounts to “copyright infringement”.
Interestingly, the LoP was seen waving a printed hardcover copy of the book in Parliament, two days after referencing alleged excerpts during his speech in the Lok Sabha on the motion of thanks to the President’s Address last week. It was also alleged that a “pre-print copy” of ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ was being shared online despite pending Defence Ministry clearance. The memoir was slated for 2024 release. However, the launch was halted and the book remains unpublished even after two years.
Reports suggest the memoir contains sensitive observations related to military matters, including the 2020 India-China border clashes in Ladakh and decision-making by political leadership at the time.
Full Statement of Penguin India
“In light of recent public discourse and media reporting, Penguin Random House India would like to clarify that we hold the sole publishing rights for the book Four Stars of Destiny, a memoir by General Manoj Mukund Naravane, former Chief of the Indian Army.”
“We wish to make it clear that the book has not gone into publication. No copies of the book – in print or digital form – have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public by Penguin Random House India.”
Penguin India added that any copies currently in circulation, in any format or on any platform, constitute “copyright infringement” and must be stopped immediately.
“Any copies of the book currently in circulation, in whole or in part, whether in print, digital, PDF, or any other format, online or offline, on any platform, constitutes an infringement of PRHI’s copyright and must immediately be ceased,” it said.
The publisher added that it will exercise remedies available under law against the illegal and unauthorised dissemination of the book.
“Penguin Random House India shall be exercising remedies available in law against the illegal and unauthorised dissemination of the book,” it said in a post on X.
It added, “This statement is being issued to place the publisher’s position on record.”
Meanwhile, Delhi Police have registered an FIR to investigate the alleged illegal circulation of the yet-to-be-approved publication in digital and other formats.
