Top government officials indicated on Friday that a 20-year cooling-off period might soon be implemented for senior officials and military officers, strictly regulating when they can publish books after retirement. This move comes directly in response to an intense political storm triggered by former Army Chief General (Retd.) Manoj Mukund Naravane’s unpublished memoir, Four Stars of Destiny. Naravane’s revelations regarding sensitive military developments during the August 2020 India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh have roiled Parliament for weeks.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the proposal arose during a Union cabinet meeting where ministers voiced concerns over retired officials in high-ranking positions publishing sensitive information. While not on the official agenda, a formal order regarding this substantial delay period is anticipated soon. The controversy escalated on February 2nd when Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi attempted to reference the unpublished memoir in the Lok Sabha, facing heavy government objection. Following this, a PDF version of the manuscript began circulating widely, prompting publisher Penguin Random House India to threaten legal action against the unauthorised dissemination, and leading the Delhi Police to register an FIR regarding the leaked document.
General Naravane later endorsed his publisher's position, insisting the book had not been officially released to the public. However, the contents of the manuscript, especially with regard to the alleged gaps in political direction during the maneuvers in the Kailash Range, are still at the heart of the controversy. Although a link for pre-order was shared in December 2023, the book was, reportedly, held back owing to a request from the Ministry of Defence.
Additionally, the cabinet meeting also covered the controversy surrounding the Union Minister Hardeep Puri and the files of the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Although there have been consistent allegations by the Opposition, the ministers agreed that the government would stick to its position and not respond to any further allegations, with Puri claiming that his engagements with Epstein were only for official business and ended immediately after realising the nature of the trafficker.
Also read: Existing laws cover Army memoirs, says Defence Secy
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