In a unique and savory legal battle, the Delhi High Court is poised to answer a culinary conundrum that has long intrigued food enthusiasts: Who invented Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani? The dispute has arisen between two iconic restaurants, Moti Mahal and Daryaganj, each staking a claim to the origin of these beloved Indian dishes.
Moti Mahal, known for its historical significance in the culinary landscape, has taken legal action against Daryaganj restaurant for using the tagline “Inventors of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani.” The legal tussle revolves around allegations of misleading the public and creating a false association with Moti Mahal.
Moti Mahal’s case centers on the assertion that Daryaganj restaurant, by using the tagline, is giving the impression of being linked to Moti Mahal, which first opened its doors in the Delhi neighborhood of Daryaganj. The Moti Mahal owners argue that this could mislead patrons into thinking there is a historical connection between the two establishments.
The legal battle reached the Delhi High Court, with Judge Sanjeev Narula presiding over the proceedings. On January 16, the court heard Moti Mahal’s case after the owners of Daryaganj were served with a summons. They were instructed to respond in writing to the lawsuit within 30 days.
In addition to the summons, Moti Mahal sought an interim injunction against Daryaganj, which was duly noted by Justice Narula. A hearing for the interim injunction is scheduled for May 29, providing both parties with an opportunity to present their arguments before the court.
The crux of the matter lies in the longstanding claims made by both restaurants regarding the invention of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. Over the years, Moti Mahal and Daryaganj have each asserted that they hold the culinary crown for originating these globally celebrated dishes.
Daryaganj restaurant contends that Late Kundan Lal Jaggi was the mastermind behind the concept of Butter Chicken. However, Moti Mahal vehemently disputes this and claims that their predecessor, Late Kundal Lal Gujral, is the true creator of these iconic dishes. The battle is not just about culinary pride but also about the historical narrative associated with these beloved recipes.
Moti Mahal, in its lawsuit, underscores that Gujral was not only the innovator of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani but also credited with creating the first Tandoori Chicken. According to Moti Mahal, Gujral, in the aftermath of the partition of India, brought these culinary innovations to the country.
The intriguing story goes that Gujral, initially concerned about the unsold chicken leftovers drying out, ingeniously developed a sauce to rehydrate them. This sauce eventually became the delectable base for Butter Chicken. The lawsuit further asserts that the invention of Dal Makhani is closely linked with the creation of Butter Chicken, with Gujral applying a similar recipe to black lentils to give birth to Dal Makhani.
The Daryaganj lawyers, responding to Moti Mahal’s claims in court, dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless and lacking a cause of action.” They argued that the original Moti Mahal restaurant in Peshawar was founded by the forebears of both parties—Jaggi of the Daryaganj restaurants and Gujral of the Moti Mahal restaurants.
This culinary clash not only puts the spotlight on the legal intricacies of intellectual property in the gastronomic world but also delves into the rich history of Indian cuisine. Both Moti Mahal and Daryaganj restaurants carry significant cultural and culinary legacies, making this legal battle a flavorful exploration of heritage and innovation.
As the Delhi High Court prepares to adjudicate on this unique case, it raises broader questions about the attribution of culinary inventions, the protection of culinary legacies, and the intricate web of historical narratives that shape our understanding of iconic dishes. The ruling may not only settle the legal dispute but could also influence the way we perceive the origins of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, two dishes that have become synonymous with Indian culinary excellence.
