The Pocket Constitution: A Symbol of Political Engagement and Legal Controversy

In the vibrant landscape of Indian politics, few items have garnered as much attention as the red-and-black coat-pocket edition of the Constitution of India, frequently seen in the hands of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. This compact version of the nation’s foundational document has not only become a staple in Gandhi’s wardrobe but has also sparked a legal battle that underscores the intersection of politics, law, and public interest.

A Political Prop with Purpose

Since the onset of the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, Gandhi has prominently featured this pocket-sized Constitution during his public appearances. The edition, crafted by Supreme Court lawyer Gopal Sankaranarayanan and published by the Eastern Book Company (EBC), has resonated with both legal enthusiasts and political aficionados. Its presence has been felt in various campaign events, including Gandhi’s recent speeches where he referred to the Constitution as an “atom bomb” against political malfeasance and “vote chori” (vote theft).

The edition has also made its way to Bihar, where the Congress party, in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is framing the upcoming assembly elections as a “fight to save the Constitution” against the ruling Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Giant cutouts of Gandhi holding the pocket Constitution have adorned party offices, reinforcing its symbolic significance.

Legal Disputes in the Delhi High Court

However, the pocket Constitution has recently found itself at the center of a legal dispute in the Delhi High Court. The EBC has initiated legal proceedings against Rupa Publications, alleging that the latter has produced a similar red-and-black edition that infringes on EBC’s design and branding. The court has temporarily restrained Rupa from selling its version, citing “prima facie” similarities in color scheme, text, font, and other design elements.

Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, in an interim order issued on September 25, emphasized the potential for consumer confusion, given that both publishers operate within the same market and target similar audiences. The judge has mandated that Rupa remove its unsold inventory and listings from major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart within two weeks. The case is set to be revisited on February 25, 2026.

The Rise in Popularity of the Pocket Constitution

The EBC’s pocket Constitution was first released in 2009 and is currently priced at ₹895 on Amazon. Gandhi has often articulated his rationale for carrying this edition, stating, “I felt that the Constitution wasn’t something that the public were aware of. So, it was necessary to put it in the hands of the very people to whom it belongs.” His aim has been to make the Constitution accessible and understandable to the general populace.

In recent weeks, during a campaign event in Bihar, Gandhi once again showcased the EBC edition while promising enhanced rights for the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). This has further solidified the edition’s role as a political tool, aimed at engaging citizens in constitutional discourse.

The EBC reported sales of approximately 15,000 copies last year, although this year’s figures have yet to be disclosed. Summet Malik, the director of EBC, noted that the demand for the pocket Constitution has surged, prompting the company to expedite its printing processes. “It is not an amorphous thing anymore,” he remarked, expressing hope that interest would extend beyond legal professionals to the general public.

Broader Implications for Constitutional Awareness

The increasing popularity of the pocket Constitution reflects a broader trend in India, where citizens are becoming more engaged with their constitutional rights and responsibilities. Bookstores in Delhi have reported a rise in sales of various editions of the Constitution, as well as related literature, such as Fali S. Nariman’s “You Must Know Your Constitution” and Anurag Bhaskar’s “The Foresighted Ambedkar: Ideas that Shaped Indian Constitutional Discourse.”

This growing interest in constitutional literature can be seen as a response to the current political climate, where issues of governance, rights, and justice are at the forefront of public discourse. The pocket Constitution serves not only as a physical representation of these ideals but also as a catalyst for discussions about democracy and civic engagement.

Conclusion

The red-and-black coat-pocket edition of the Constitution has transcended its role as a mere book; it has become a symbol of political engagement and a focal point in a legal dispute that highlights the complexities of intellectual property in the publishing industry. As Rahul Gandhi continues to wield this edition in his campaign, it serves as a reminder of the importance of constitutional awareness in a democratic society. The ongoing legal battle between EBC and Rupa Publications will likely have implications for how such works are published and marketed in the future, further shaping the landscape of constitutional discourse in India.