Penguin Random House India (PRHI) has asserted its sole publishing rights for "Four Stars of Destiny," the memoir of former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, clarifying that the book has not been published or distributed. The publisher has stated that any circulating copies constitute copyright infringement and that it will pursue legal action against unauthorized dissemination.
The statement from Penguin India comes amidst a growing controversy surrounding the memoir, with a police probe underway regarding the alleged circulation of a pre-print version. Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) to investigate the unauthorized circulation of the book on social media and online platforms. The police action follows reports that a PDF copy of the book, seemingly prepared by Penguin Random House India, was found on certain websites, with some online platforms displaying the book cover as if it were available for purchase.
According to investigators, the pre-print version of the memoir was being shared without mandatory clearance from competent authorities. Concerns have been raised that the book, which reportedly touches on sensitive subjects including the Galwan clash and the Agnipath scheme, has not yet received the necessary approvals. General Naravane himself stated last year that the manuscript had been submitted to Penguin and was awaiting government clearance, with the Ministry of Defence having been reviewing the book for over a year.
The controversy escalated when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi brandished what appeared to be a copy of the book in Parliament. Gandhi sought to quote excerpts from "Four Stars of Destiny" to support his claims that the current government mishandled the 2020 border standoff with China. This led to disruptions in the Lok Sabha, and the suspension of eight Members of Parliament. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that the book "does not exist" in its approved form, as it has not received clearance from the Ministry of Defence.
Penguin Random House India has firmly denied releasing the book in any form, be it print or digital. In its statement, the publisher emphasized that no copies have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public. The publisher has warned that any version of the book currently in circulation, whether in print, PDF, or digital format, constitutes copyright infringement and must be stopped immediately. The company has stated it will pursue legal action against those involved in the illegal and unauthorized dissemination of the material.
The Delhi Police Special Cell is investigating the source of the leak and those responsible for circulating the unpublished material. The investigation aims to determine how the content of an unapproved book entered the public domain. Senior military officials are subject to regulations that restrict the publication of books or information, even after retirement, to prevent classified material from becoming public. Violations of these regulations can lead to legal action and the withholding of pension benefits.