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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court is set to resolve a dispute between Moti Mahal and Daryaganj restaurants, each asserting the title of "Inventors of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani".

Moti Mahal's proprietors have filed a suit against Daryaganj, alleging that the latter is misleading the public into believing there is a connection between Daryaganj and Moti Mahal, which opened its first branch in the Daryaganj neighborhood of Delhi.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued summons to Daryaganj restaurant owners on January 16 and directed them to file a written response within a month.

Justice Narula also took note of Moti Mahal's application for an interim injunction and scheduled it for hearing on May 29, 2024.

Both restaurant chains claim to have invented Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, with Moti Mahal attributing the creations to its predecessor, the late Kundal Lal Gujral, while Daryaganj credits the late Kundan Lal Jaggi.

Moti Mahal asserts that Gujral, the creator of the first Tandoori chicken, later invented butter chicken and Dal Makhani, bringing these dishes to India after partition. According to their claim, Gujral's concern about unsold chicken leftovers led to the invention of a sauce for rehydration known as 'the makhani' or butter sauce—a flavorful combination of tomatoes, butter, cream, and spices, defining the dish's taste.

The invention of Dal Makhani is closely tied to the invention of Butter Chicken; applying the same recipe to black lentils to birth Dal Makhani around the same time, Moti Mahal contended.

While Daryaganj is yet to file its response, its lawyers have challenged the allegations and argued that the suit is baseless and lacking a cause of action. They argued that there had been no false representation on their part, emphasizing the joint establishment of the first Moti Mahal restaurant in Peshawar by the predecessors of both parties—Gujral of Moti Mahal and Jaggi of Daryaganj.

Case Title: Rupa Gujral & Ors v. Daryaganj Hospitality Private Limited & Ors.