Legal Battle Over Butter Chicken's Origin Heats Up

A high-profile lawsuit seeks to determine the true inventor of the iconic Indian dish, with multiple families staking their claim.

Moti Mahal, a legendary Delhi restaurant, has filed a lawsuit against rival chain Daryaganj and another party, claiming the exclusive right to the invention of butter chicken.
The Delhi High Court is set to hear the case in May, with the lawsuit spanning a hefty 2,752 pages and seeking $240,000 in damages.
Both Moti Mahal and Daryaganj claim their respective patriarchs, Kundan Lal Gujral and Kundan Lal Jaggi, invented the dish nearly 80 years ago, adding to the complexity of the case.
A third party, a different family who purchased the original Moti Mahal in the 1990s, has also entered the fray, potentially considering legal action.
The outcome of the case is eagerly awaited, as it not only involves significant financial stakes but also the legacy of a dish that has become a staple of Indian cuisine worldwide.