Penguin Random House India Says Four Stars of Destiny Is Unpublished, Warns of Legal Action Over Circulating Copies

Publisher clarifies it holds exclusive rights to General MM Naravane’s memoir and that the book hasn’t been published; warns legal action against unauthorized copies.

on Feb 10, 2026

Penguin Random House India Says Four Stars of Destiny Is Unpublished, Warns of Legal Action Over Circulating Copies

Penguin Random House India has put out an official clarification regarding the memoir “Four Stars of Destiny” by the Former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, that currently the book is not published nor available for purchase in any format.

Amid a rapidly building controversy, the publisher issued a statement to confirm that they hold the sole publishing rights to the memoir and that there are no copies of the book (either printed or digital) that have been printed, distributed, sold or otherwise made available to the public.

Penguin Random House India advised that all forms of the book that are currently being distributed or available for free or at low cost (whether printed, in PDF files or as electronic versions) are infringing on copyright, and they will seek legal recourse against anyone who has distributed the manuscript without authorization.

Amidst a wave of political and legal difficulties, reports have surfaced that unauthorised versions of this publication are being shared, and the media and public are now aware of what is happening. The controversy surrounding the publication grew following the sighting of Congressional Leader Rahul Gandhi holding what appears to be a version of the manuscript, even though it has not been released.

Law enforcement authorities have become involved, with the Delhi Police filing an FIR against individuals allegedly involved in the publication of unauthorised advance printed materials from the same book. A criminal investigation is ongoing.

Penguin Random House India issued a statement to clarify the Publisher's position and also warned that any further unauthorised publication, distribution or sharing of the book could result in civil and criminal actions pursuant to copyright laws.