Penguin Random House clarifies publishing rights over General Naravane’s memoir

New Delhi: Leading publishing house Penguin Random House India has issued a formal clarification stating that it holds the exclusive publishing rights for former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s autobiography titled “Four Stars of Destiny.”

The publisher has categorically denied reports that the book has already been released or made available to the public. In a statement shared on social media platform X on Monday, Penguin Random House India said that the book is yet to be officially published and that no printed or digital copies have been released, distributed or sold in any form.

“Penguin Random House India wishes to clarify that we hold the sole publishing rights for the autobiography of former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane titled Four Stars of Destiny. The book has not been published. No printed or digital edition has been made available for sale, distribution or public access,” the statement read.

The clarification comes amid growing controversy after alleged excerpts from the unpublished memoir began circulating on social media and online platforms. The publisher warned that any version of the book currently in circulation — whether in print, PDF or digital format — constitutes a clear violation of copyright laws.

“Any copies of the book currently being circulated in any form or on any platform fall within the ambit of copyright infringement and must cease immediately. Penguin Random House India will pursue all legal remedies available under law against such unauthorized dissemination,” the publisher asserted.

The company further emphasized that the statement was being issued to put its official position on record and to prevent further misinformation.

The controversy surrounding the book intensified last week after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to certain portions of what he described as a “pre-print copy” of the memoir during a debate in the Lok Sabha.

The ruling party objected strongly to his remarks, arguing that he was citing material from an unpublished and unauthorized source. Following this, fragments of the book allegedly began appearing on various social media platforms, triggering widespread political debate and speculation.

In response, Delhi Police have already launched an investigation into the unauthorized circulation of the manuscript. Police officials have confirmed that an FIR has been registered and efforts are underway to trace the origin of the leaked content.

Investigators are examining how the typeset copy, reportedly prepared by Penguin Random House India, found its way into the public domain without permission. General Naravane served as India’s Army Chief from 2019 to 2022, a period that included critical events such as the India-China border standoff.

His memoir is believed to contain sensitive insights into military and strategic matters, making its premature circulation a matter of serious concern. With the publisher now taking a firm legal stand, the controversy over Four Stars of Destiny is likely to escalate further in the coming days.

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