Why Daryaganj and Moti Mahal are fighting over Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani in Delhi court, ET Retail

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<p>Representative image</p> — Representative image

A legal feud over the origins of beloved Indian cuisines butter chicken and dal makhani has surged into the spotlight, with Daryaganj restaurant chain challenging alleged defamatory remarks made by Moti Mahal proprietors.

In response to what they deemed as defamatory, Daryaganj has taken the matter to the Delhi High Court, contesting certain remarks attributed to Moti Mahal in a recent newspaper interview regarding the genesis of “butter chicken”.

Moti Mahal, on their part, has disavowed these remarks, labeling them as an “editorial perspective” not representative of their stance. This development comes in the wake of Moti Mahal’s lawsuit earlier this year, asserting their predecessor’s claim to the invention of butter chicken and dal makhani.

Justice Sanjeev Narula, presiding over the case, has instructed Moti Mahal proprietors to file an affidavit within two weeks, clarifying their disassociation from the contentious statements published in various articles.

Daryaganj, through its legal representation, has raised concerns over the purportedly defamatory nature of the statements, citing potential harm to their reputation and prejudice in the ongoing legal dispute.

The crux of the legal skirmish lies in the ownership of the culinary heritage attached to these dishes. Both Moti Mahal and Daryaganj have staked their claims to the title of “inventors” of butter chicken and dal makhani, fueling a protracted legal tussle.

Moti Mahal initiated legal action against Daryaganj earlier this year, seeking to restrain them from associating their predecessor, Late Kundan Lal Jaggi, with the creation of these iconic dishes.

The courtroom drama unfolds as Moti Mahal’s lawsuit alleges that Kundan Lal Gujral, their predecessor, was the true architect behind these culinary delights, tracing their origin to the post-Partition era.

In rebuttal, Daryaganj’s legal counsel has vehemently denied these claims, labeling the lawsuit as baseless and devoid of merit. They assert that Daryaganj has made no false representations regarding the origins of the dishes in question.

As the legal battle rages on, the Delhi High Court has set the next hearing for May 29, underscoring the enduring dispute over the rightful claimants to India’s gastronomic legacy.