‘No copies printed’, Penguin Publications issues clarification amid controversy over Naravane’s book

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The political and legal controversy surrounding the unpublished book of former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane is intensifying. After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to alleged excerpts of the book in Parliament, the publisher Penguin Random House India (PRHI) has now issued an official clarification on the matter.

Penguin Random House India stated that it holds the exclusive publishing rights to General Naravane’s autobiography titled ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, and confirmed that the book has not been published yet. According to the publisher, no copies of the book have been released to the public in any form.

Publisher clarifies: no print or digital version released

The clarification from Penguin Random House India comes at a time when Delhi Police has registered an FIR regarding the alleged illegal circulation of the book’s manuscript in digital and other formats. As per Delhi Police, the case has been registered with the Special Cell, and an investigation has been initiated.

In its statement, Penguin Random House India clearly said that it has neither printed nor distributed any copy of the book, whether in print, digital, or any other format, nor has it made the content publicly available in any manner.

Warning on copyright violation

The publisher further warned that any version of the book, whether complete or partial, and in any format including print, PDF, or online circulation, would be considered a violation of copyright laws.

It is important to note that Rahul Gandhi was seen holding an alleged copy of the book in Parliament last week. He reportedly intended to quote portions of the book in the Lok Sabha from February 2 onwards, but was stopped on the grounds that the book has not yet been officially published.