Publishing – PRHI Confirms Exclusive Rights to Naravane Memoir
Publishing – Penguin Random House India has stated that it holds the sole publishing rights to Four Stars of Destiny, the memoir authored by former Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, and clarified that the book has not yet been released in any format. The announcement follows reports that unauthorised versions of the manuscript were being shared digitally and otherwise.
Publisher Issues Formal Clarification
In an official communication released on Monday, Penguin Random House India said that no authorised copies of the memoir have entered the public domain. The publishing house stressed that neither printed editions nor digital versions have been produced, distributed, or sold so far.
The company explained that it alone retains exclusive publishing control over the title. It emphasised that any material claiming to be the book, whether complete or partial, should not be considered legitimate. According to the publisher, the manuscript has not yet progressed to the stage of formal publication.
The clarification was issued amid growing attention surrounding the alleged circulation of portions of the memoir. The publisher reiterated that it has not authorised any release and that readers should treat any such copies as unauthorised.
Legal Action Initiated Over Alleged Circulation
The matter has also drawn the attention of law enforcement authorities. The Delhi Police confirmed that a First Information Report has been registered in connection with the reported unauthorised dissemination of the manuscript.
Officials stated that the Special Cell has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the possible leak of what is described as an unpublished work. Investigators are looking into whether the manuscript was shared without permission and how any digital copies may have been distributed.
Police sources indicated that the inquiry will focus on identifying individuals or platforms involved in the alleged circulation. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details, noting that the investigation remains ongoing.
Copyright Concerns and Publisher’s Warning
Penguin Random House India has underlined that any circulation of the manuscript, in part or in full, constitutes a violation of its copyright. The publisher specified that this includes printouts, PDFs, or online uploads on any platform.
The company warned that it would take appropriate legal steps to protect its intellectual property. It urged individuals and organisations to immediately halt the sharing of any version of the book that may already be in circulation.
By reaffirming its exclusive rights, the publishing house signalled that it intends to pursue remedies under applicable copyright laws. The statement underscored that no third party has been granted permission to reproduce or distribute the memoir in any form.
Political Attention Around the Memoir
The unpublished memoir has also entered political discussion. Last week, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen holding what appeared to be a copy of the book within the Parliament complex.
According to parliamentary proceedings, Gandhi sought to refer to excerpts from the memoir in the Lok Sabha beginning February 2. However, he was reportedly prevented from doing so on the grounds that the book has not yet been officially published.
The incident brought additional visibility to the issue, even as questions remain about how any purported copies surfaced before publication. The publisher has not indicated a confirmed release date for the memoir.
Ongoing Investigation and Awaited Publication
As the inquiry continues, both the publisher and law enforcement authorities have maintained that the book remains unpublished. The situation highlights the legal and ethical considerations surrounding unpublished literary works, particularly those connected to prominent public figures.
For now, readers and observers await further developments from investigators and an official update regarding the book’s publication timeline.