The dispute over the origin of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani has escalated to the Delhi High Court, where Moti Mahal is taking legal action against Daryaganj. Moti Mahal contends that their predecessor, the late Kundal Lal Gujral, was the true inventor of these globally renowned dishes. Allegations include Daryaganj misleading the public by falsely attributing the dishes to their predecessor, Late Kundan Lal Jaggi.
Moti Mahal’s proprietors seek a court order to prevent Daryaganj from claiming Jaggi’s involvement in inventing Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. This extends to restricting the use of the tagline “by the inventors of butter chicken and dal makhani” across Daryaganj’s online platforms and various social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as well as in print and electronic media.
Justice Sanjeev Narula has summoned Daryaganj’s owners to respond to the suit, requiring a written statement and an affidavit either admitting or denying the documents presented by the plaintiffs. The legal battle challenges the longstanding narrative of both restaurant chains claiming credit for the creation of these iconic dishes.
Moti Mahal’s version of events contends that Gujral, initially credited with the invention of Tandoori Chicken, later devised Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. The narrative suggests that Gujral faced a challenge with unsold leftover chicken in the absence of refrigeration. In response, he ingeniously created a sauce, known as ‘makhani’ or butter sauce, composed of tomatoes, butter, cream, and spices. This flavorful innovation revitalized the chicken leftovers, giving birth to the beloved dishes.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Delhi High Court will play a pivotal role in determining the rightful origin of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, unraveling a culinary controversy that has persisted for years.
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