Coat Pocket Edition of Constitution Set to Launch Amid Surging Demand

The new coat pocket edition of the Constitution by Gopal Sankaranarayanan is highly sought after, popularized by Rahul Gandhi, with bookstores struggling to meet demand.

on Jul 08, 2024

Coat Pocket Edition of Constitution Set to Launch Amid Surging Demand

The latest coat pocket edition of the Constitution, published by the Lucknow-based Eastern Book Company (EBC), is set to hit the market this week. The edition, designed by Supreme Court lawyer Gopal Sankaranarayanan, has gained significant popularity, particularly after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi began carrying it as an accessory, leading to a spike in demand across bookstores in the national capital.

During the national election campaign and the inaugural sessions of the 18th Lok Sabha, various representatives held up the distinctive red and black book. Sankaranarayanan emphasized the necessity of making the Constitution accessible to the public, stating, "I felt that the Constitution wasn’t something that the public were aware of. So, it was necessary to put the Constitution in the hands of the very people to whom it belongs. I wanted it to be a compact and simple edition with explanations."

Since its first release in 2009, priced at Rs. 595, the pocket edition has seen an uptick in sales, largely driven by endorsements from judges and its use in constitutional cases. Recently, its popularity surged due to political events, with Gandhi's consistent use of the book during rallies contributing to its status as a sought-after item.

EBC director Summet Malik noted the exponential increase in demand, with the company selling 5,000 copies this year and anticipating sales of an additional 10,000 copies by year-end. The 17th edition is currently being printed to meet this growing demand.

Bookstore owners across Delhi have reported unprecedented interest in the pocket edition. Samarth Joshi from the Congress' election war room highlighted the book's compact nature as a key factor in its appeal.

Major bookstores, such as Jain Book Depot and Faqir Chand bookstore, have faced challenges in keeping up with the demand. Sumit Nullay of the Amrit Book Company in Connaught Place shared that customers have been persistently asking for the book, attributing its popularity to Gandhi's influence.

Despite supply challenges, the demand for the Constitution extends beyond major stores, with street vendors like Mohammed Iqbal noting requests for more affordable versions suitable for students.

In addition to the pocket edition, there is also interest in related constitutional literature, including works by Fali S. Nariman, Anurag Bhaskar, Austin Granville, and Tripurdaman Singh. As the new edition prepares to launch, the Constitution continues to capture public interest, underscoring its enduring significance.

Description: The latest coat pocket edition of the Constitution is launching this week. This edition, designed by Supreme Court lawyer Gopal Sankaranarayanan, has become highly sought after, with significant interest from both the public and legal professionals.