Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) following the circulation of an unpublished manuscript authored by a former Chief of the Indian Army. The case was filed after a complaint alleged that confidential material from the book was shared without authorisation on digital platforms and social media.
According to officials, the manuscript had not been officially released or cleared for publication when portions of it began circulating publicly. The leaked content reportedly contained references to sensitive military matters and internal events, raising concerns over security, confidentiality and copyright violations.
Complaint and Investigation
The FIR was lodged on the basis of a complaint from the author’s representatives and concerned authorities, who claimed that the circulation of the manuscript violated intellectual property rights and may have breached provisions related to the protection of official information. Police have registered the case under sections dealing with criminal breach of trust, unauthorised publication, and other applicable laws.
Investigators are now working to identify the source of the leak and trace the individuals responsible for uploading or distributing the material. Cyber units have been engaged to examine digital trails and messaging platforms through which the content spread.
Security and Legal Concerns
Officials said that while memoirs of former military leaders are not uncommon, unpublished drafts are treated as private material until formally cleared. In this case, the premature circulation of the book raised alarms because of the possibility that sensitive references could be taken out of context or misused.
Legal experts note that sharing unpublished manuscripts without consent can attract charges under copyright law as well as provisions related to confidentiality, especially when the author has held a high public office with access to classified information.
Response from Authorities
Sources in the defence establishment said the matter is being treated seriously, as it involves a former Army Chief and could have implications for institutional discipline and public trust. Authorities stressed that the investigation is focused on how the manuscript left secure custody and who facilitated its distribution.
No arrests have been made so far, and police said further action will depend on the findings of the digital and forensic analysis.
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited debate on how sensitive memoirs and official recollections should be handled before publication. While former officials have the right to document their experiences, experts argue that strict safeguards are necessary to prevent unauthorised disclosure and misinformation.
Police have urged the public not to forward or repost the leaked material, warning that doing so may attract legal action.
The investigation remains ongoing.
