Supreme Court’s Verdict on Cafe Bahar Ownership Feud Brings Relief to Biryani Lovers

**Hyderabad, November 7** – In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has put an end—at least temporarily—to the ownership conflict over Cafe Bahar, Hyderabad’s iconic biryani hotspot. Following months of family disputes that led to the restaurant’s closure on October 10, the verdict allows Cafe Bahar’s doors to reopen, much to the delight of its loyal customers and biryani enthusiasts.**Background of the Dispute**The feud traces back to disagreements within the family of Syed Hussain Bolooki, who founded Cafe Bahar in 1973. After Bolooki’s passing during the COVID-19 pandemic, a rift developed among his heirs regarding ownership shares and control over the restaurant’s operations. The family split into two factions: a majority group led by Syed Asghar Ali Bolooki, holding 86% of the business, and a smaller group led by Bibi Hajjar Dashti, with 14%. The Telangana High Court intervened in the dispute by removing Asghar Ali Bolooki from management and appointing a resolution professional to oversee the restaurant’s daily operations. This decision, however, was challenged, eventually reaching the Supreme Court.**Supreme Court’s Decision: Asghar Ali Bolooki to Resume Management**On November 6, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud ruled in favor of Asghar Ali Bolooki’s group, restoring him as the managing partner. This decision enables him to return to daily operations while the court-ordered independent valuation of Cafe Bahar’s worth is conducted.**Conditions Set by the Supreme Court**To maintain fairness and transparency, the Supreme Court has laid down several conditions:1. **Independent Valuation**: By December 31, an independent valuer will assess the restaurant’s financial health, including assets, liabilities, and income.2. **Security Deposit**: The court mandated a Rs 5 crore security deposit from Bolooki’s group to ensure they remain committed to responsible management throughout the valuation and settlement process.3. **Supervised Financial Reporting**: To prevent mismanagement, a representative from the valuer’s team will monitor the restaurant’s income, and Bolooki will provide weekly financial reports.4. **Right to Buy Out Shares**: After the valuation, Bolooki’s group has the first right to purchase Dashti’s 14% share. If they decline, Dashti’s side can opt to buy the majority 86% stake.**A Path Forward for Cafe Bahar**The Supreme Court’s decision brings hope for a long-term resolution to Cafe Bahar’s ownership dispute. The option to buy each other’s shares could pave the way for a peaceful conclusion, preserving the legacy of one of Hyderabad’s most beloved biryani spots.

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