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Ex-Army chief Naravane's first reaction on row over memoir, shares publisher's post
Publisher Penguin Random House India earlier today said the announcement regarding a book or its availability for pre-order is not the same as publication.
In his first reaction since the controversy regarding his unpublished memoir, former army chief MM Naravane has endorsed the position of the book's publisher Penguin Random House India (PRHI).
The publisher had earlier today said the announcement regarding a book or its availability for pre-order is not the same as publication. It further clarified that the book has not gone into publication and no copies have been published, distributed or sold, and any circulation of the memoir would come under copyright infringement.
Sharing the publisher's statement on his official X handle, Naravane said, “This is the status of the book.”
Penguin Random House India was facing the heat after an alleged circulation of pdf copies of Naravane’s memoir, which is yet to be cleared by the Ministry of Defence.
Delhi Police is currently probing the illegal circulation of the copies. The row on the memoir erupted after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi invoked excerpts from the book to attack the government in Lok Sabha.
Penguin clarifies, releases guide on publishing
In its statement highlighting that any circulation of copies would come under copyright infringement, Penguin clarified that it holds “the sole publishing rights for the book Four Stars of Destiny, a memoir by General Manoj Mukund Naravane, former Chief of the Indian Army.” The publisher said it was making its position clear in light of recent public discourse and media reporting.
It further said that the memoir has not gone into publication, and that “no copies of the book - in print or digital form - have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public by Penguin Random House India.”
“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. Penguin Random House India shall be exercising remedies available in law against the illegal and unauthorised dissemination of the book,” the publisher said.
After its statement, Penguin also released a “quick guide to how book publishing works”, stating that “an announced book, a book available for pre-order, and a published book are not the same thing.” The publisher said an announcement means that the publisher has shared that a book is planned, but is not yet published or available for sale.
Regarding a book being available for pre-order, Penguin said, “Pre-order is a standard publishing practice. It allows readers and retailers to place advance orders. The book is not yet published or available.” It further clarified that a scheduled “publication date means the book is planned for release”, but does not mean that it has been published.
“A book is published only when it is available at retail channels for purchase. We remain committed to clarity and transparency in the books we publish ,” the publisher said while concluding its statement.
