'Hyderabadi Biryani' denied GI tag for failing to prove historic origin

Hyderabad: The famous 'Hyderabadi Biryani' has failed to secure a GI (Geographical Indications) tag after its applicant could not prove the historical origin and data relating to this delectable dish, with supporting documents, according to the GI registry in Chennai.

The Deccani Biryani Makers Association here had applied for the GI tag through its Secretary Zubai Ahmed in 2009.

The fabled rice 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 (of Deccani Biryani Makers Association) for registration of 'Hyderabadi Biryani' in Geographical Indications 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.

It was on April 28, 2009, that the Association, had filed an application before the Assistant Registrar of Geographical Indications, Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai for registration



of Hyderabadi Briyani .

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

Chinnaraja G Naidu, Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks & 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 over phone.

"The applicant failed to prove the historical origin of the product with supporting documents and failed to make use of the opportunities provided during the show cause hearing to prove the historical origin," the order said.