In a detailed clarification titled “A quick guide to how book publishing works at Penguin Random House India”, PRHI stressed that announcing a title, listing it for pre-order, or assigning a publication date does not amount to formal publication.
“An announced book, a book available for pre-order, and a published book are not the same thing,” the statement said, adding that a book is considered published only when it is available for purchase through retail channels.
Statement from the publisher. pic.twitter.com/pksacg3EeT
— Penguin India (@PenguinIndia) February 9, 2026
The publisher maintained that it holds exclusive rights to the memoir and that no authorised copies either in print or digital form have been released, distributed, or sold. The clarification followed claims by senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who cited a 2023 social media post by Gen Naravane stating the book was “available now”, and pointed to past listings on e-commerce platforms.
Addressing reporters in Parliament, Gandhi questioned the publisher’s assertion, arguing that either the former Army chief or the publisher must be mistaken. He also displayed what he described as a copy of the memoir and sought to reference excerpts in the Lok Sabha, but was prevented from doing so on the grounds that the book has not been formally published.
Gen Naravane responded by sharing PRHI’s clarification on X, writing, “This is the status of the book,” thereby aligning with the publisher’s position.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has registered an FIR over the alleged unauthorised circulation of the manuscript in digital and other formats, as the episode fuels a broader political and legal debate.
