Penguin Random House India (PRHI) has issued a formal clarification asserting that it holds the exclusive publishing rights to former Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s memoir Four Stars of Destiny and that the book has not yet been published, amid controversy over alleged unauthorised copies in circulation.
The statement follows the Delhi Police registering an FIR and launching a probe into the alleged illegal distribution of the manuscript in digital and other formats. The case has reportedly been handed over to the Special Cell to investigate a possible leak or breach involving the unpublished work.
In a statement on Monday, PRHI said it wanted to clarify its position in light of recent public discourse and media reports. It stressed that it is the sole rights holder of the memoir and that no authorised version has been released to the public.
“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,” the publisher said.
The company added that no copies—print or digital—have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available. It warned that any version currently circulating, whether in full or in part, across formats including print, PDF, or online platforms, constitutes copyright infringement. “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,” the statement said. The publisher added that it would exercise all legal remedies available under law against unauthorised dissemination.
Book becomes political flashpoint
The unpublished memoir has become a political flashpoint after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi referred to reported excerpts from it in the Lok Sabha. He attempted to cite portions relating to the Galwan clash and Chinese troop movements, drawing objections from government ministers who said the book had not been officially released. The Speaker disallowed references, leading to disruptions and adjournment of proceedings.
The memoir was originally slated for publication in April 2024, following pre-order announcements in 2023. However, the release was delayed, and listings on Amazon continue to show the title as unavailable, with pre-orders cancelled.
Naravane had earlier indicated at a literature festival that the manuscript was with the publisher and under review, noting that clearance processes involving the Ministry of Defence were pending.
It is standard practice for books by former senior military officials to undergo scrutiny for sensitive operational details. Reports suggest the memoir discusses issues such as the Agnipath scheme and the Galwan Valley clash.
PRHI said its latest statement was issued specifically to clarify the book’s status and assert its copyright, as the investigation into the alleged leak continues. (Agencies)
