Famous Delicacy ‘Hyderabadi Biryani’ Fails To Prove Its Origins

Despite ruling hearts of food connoisseurs for ages, the famous 'Hyderabadi biryani' has failed to secure a tag to prove its geographical origin.

The Deccani Biryani Makers Association, which had applied for a geographical indication (GI) tag for the dish through its Secretary Zubai Ahmed in 2009, could not prove the historical origin and data relating to this delectable dish with supporting documents, according to the GI registry in Chennai.

A GI is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a particular location which gives that product a special quality or reputation or other characteristic.

The fabled rice and meat delicacy, which derives its name from this pearl city, has been part of the Hyderabadi cuisine for nearly 400 years. Coming from the kitchen of the Nizams, it is loved world over by food connoisseurs for its distinct spices, taste and aroma.

The application for registration of ‘Hyderabadi biryani’ in GIs is treated as abandoned “for want of prosecution”, as they (applicant) have failed to prove the historical data and origin of the product with supporting documents, the officials at the GI registry in Chennai, held in its order issued on January 27 this year.

From the records available with the GI registry, it found that there is a default in prosecution of the application within the time stipulated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999.

Hence, a showcause hearing was fixed finally on January 23, 2017 granting an opportunity to the applicant to prove the details in the application.

Chinnaraja Naidu, assistant registrar of Trade Marks and Geographical Indications Registry, said the registry had issued examination reports thrice over the past few years, with a direction to the applicant to produce the documentary evidence with respect to the historical data from the Gazetteer and proof of origin of the product (biryani).

“There was no reply from the applicant with regards to the examination reports. The applicant failed to turn up on the date of (many) hearings and there was no representation on the date of (these) hearings,” Naidu told PTI over the phone.

“Securing of GI tag and maintaining the status from infringement is not a one-day show; the role of the registered proprietor (after registration of GI application, the applicant is honoured with the term ‘registered proprietor’) is awarded with the responsibility of protecting the product as well as the producers.

“The non-appearance of the applicant even after providing repeated opportunities shows that the applicant is not willing to prosecute the application,” the ordersaid.

An appeal, if any, relating to the proceedings may be preferred to the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, Chennai within three months from the date of order, the applicant was informed.