Irked over their reference in his latest novel, the erstwhile royal family of Dumraon has sent a legal notice to author Chetan Bhagat and the publisher, demanding unconditional public apology and recall of all copies of the book that are yet to be circulated.

The notice has been sent by Supreme Court lawyer Gaurav Ghosh on behalf of 'Maharaja' Bahadur Kamal Singh, the erstwhile ruler of the princely state of Dumraon in Bihar's Buxar district, and the heir 'Yuvraj' Chandra Vijay Singh.

The notice demands "unconditional public apology' from Bhagat and publisher Rupa Publications and "recall of all copies of the book that are yet to be circulated' failing which damages and criminal proceedings will be sought against them.

It also seeks expunging the words "Royal Family of Dumraon' and any other words that refer to the erstwhile rulers from all copies of 'Half Girlfriend' that may be published in future.