Ahmedabad (PTI): The copyright of Navjivan Trust on Mahatma Gandhi's writings expired on Thursday enabling other publishers, besides the Trust, to reproduce the same.

"From January 1, 2009 the writings would be in public domain. Any publisher can reproduce the writings without consent of or paying royalty to Navjivan Trust, formed by Gandhi himself in the name of Navjivan Mudralaya," Chairman of Navjivan Trust, Jitendra Desai told PTI.

"Gandhiji had written just five books. But he had written several articles on a variety of subjects in 'Navjivan', 'Young India' and 'Harijan' publications. The complete works of Mahatma Gandhi comprises over 100 books, which are a compilation of these articles," Desai said.

The Indian Copyright Act, 1957 says that after the death of the writer, the copyright can continue for next 60 years from the beginning of calendar year following the year in which author has died.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. Even after his death he continues to inspire people worldwide through his writings laying stress on truth and non-violence.

Over 37,14,000 copies of his autobiography 'My Experiments with Truth', have been sold so far.

Now, after the expiry of copyright, the major concern of Gandhiji's followers is of 'text-torturing', i.e his text and message are not distorted when reproduced by independent sources," Desai added.

Veteran Gandhian Chunibhai Vaidya said there was nothing wrong in the works being published by others too.

However, there should be no distortion of his writings and the message, he said adding that any such attempt should be strictly dealt with.

Though Navjivan Trust will lose copyright and royalty earnings due to the development, Trust authorities are positive about the development.

"Anybody can compile his views on various subjects and publish it as a book," Desai said.

"Though it will affect our revenues as we will not get royalty from other publishers, we will continue with our efforts to spread his thought."

"The Trust has been selling his books at subsidized rates for last so many years," Desai said.

Gandhiji, initially was against copyright for his writings. He was convinced for the same in 1944 so that revenue earned from it can be used for welfare of people belonging to backward classes.

"We still contribute 25 per cent sum from our earnings for development of backward classes as ordered by Gandhiji," Desai added.