The Bombay High Court has been approached through a Public Interest Litigation seeking action against luxury fashion label Prada for allegedly replicating the design of the traditional Kolhapuri Chappal in its new footwear line.
The PIL claims this constitutes cultural misappropriation and unauthorised use of a Geographical Indication (GI)-protected Indian product.
Traditional Craft, Commercial Exploitation
The PIL, filed by IPR advocate Ganesh S. Hingmire on July 2, 2025, alleges that Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s Collection, showcased in Milan on June 22, includes a pair of ‘Toe Ring Sandals’ that are visually and conceptually similar to Kolhapuri chappals. These sandals, priced at over ₹1 lakh, have been rebranded under the Prada label without attribution to their Indian origin or the artisans who produce them.
Kolhapuri chappals hold GI status under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, signifying their distinct heritage and craftsmanship tied to specific regions in Maharashtra. The PIL argues that the commercialisation of these sandals without consent or acknowledgment undermines the legal protections of the GI system.
Acknowledgment Without Accountability
Following criticism on social media, Prada issued a general statement conceding that its designs were “inspired by Indian artisans.” However, the PIL points out that this acknowledgment was made only in private communication and lacked public accountability.
“The brand has privately accepted that its collection is ‘inspired by Indian artisans,’ however, this acknowledgement surfaced only after facing widespread backlash… and was not issued to the artisans, GI Registry, Government, or the public,” the petition notes. It further criticises the brand for failing to offer a formal apology, compensation, or remedial action for the alleged misuse.
Protecting Heritage & Artisan Rights
The petition urges the court to direct Prada to pay damages to the artisans, issue a public apology, and halt the unauthorised use of GI-tagged designs. It also calls upon the Indian government to implement policy safeguards and enforcement mechanisms to protect traditional crafts from international exploitation.
“This PIL is not just about compensation—it’s about upholding the dignity of cultural heritage and protecting the rights of India’s traditional artisan communities,” it states.
The PIL is currently pending before the Bombay High Court, where it is expected to be listed for hearing soon.
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