MOSCOW, February 15 - RAPSI. The Supreme Commercial Court returned the property management agency's application to reconsider a lower-court decision refusing to recognize Russia's ownership right to the Sovietsky hotel in Moscow.

The Moscow Commercial Court dismissed the Federal Agency for State Property Management. The appeals and cassation courts upheld the first-instance court's decision.

Another lawsuit filed by the agency against Sovietskaya Limited, controlled by businessman Ruslan Baysarov, is also being considered in court. The lawsuit disputes the 2007 auction on the hotel's sale to the Moscow authorities. An appeals court earlier dismissed the lawsuit. The Supreme Commercial Court did not reconsider the validity of the judicial acts in the case.

The company paid $63 million for the historical building in the auction. The building also had a famous restaurant. In the 19th century, the Sovietsky Hotel housed a renowned restaurant, Yar, which was considered the best Russian restaurant since 1826. In 1952, the hotel was founded in the building, which also served as a governmental residence, the company website reads.

The agency filed lawsuits with the commercial court as it believes the Moscow authorities had no right to dispose of the hotel, as it was federal property.

Courts in three instances have stated that the plaintiff has not proved its right to the property.