Kolhapuri chappals hit headlines as PIL in High Court questions ‘unauthorised use’ by Prada

India’s Kolhapuri chappals have hit headlines with a PIL in the Bombay High Court accusing Italian fashion house Prada of unauthorised use of the legendary handcrafted chappals.

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The PIL filed by six Pune-based lawyers sought compensation to be paid to Indian artisans for allegedly copying their design—cultural symbol of Maharashtra. It has also sought a direction to Prada to refrain from commercialising and using its ‘toe-ring sandals’ without any authorisation.

It wanted Prada to issue a public apology for the misuse and acknowledge the use of Kolhapuri chappals.

In its spring/summer collection, Prada showcased their ‘toe-ring sandals’, which were deceptively similar to the Kolhapuri chappal, the petitioners alleged. These sandals are priced at Rs 1 lakh per pair.

Kolhapuri chappals (slippers) are already protected as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, the petitioners submitted.

“The court shall also order a permanent injunction against Prada’s unauthorised GI use and to compensate the artisans’ community for reputational and economic damages,” the PIL said, demanding a probe against Prada for violating the rights of GI-registered proprietors and the artisan community.

The PIL has sought damages and compensation to be paid to the artisan community, including a temporary injunction restraining Prada from marketing, selling or exporting their sandals.

Prada has privately accepted that its collection has been inspired by Indian artisans but has not yet issued any formal apology or compensation to the original artisans, the petitioners claimed.

”The private acknowledgement appears to be merely a superficial attempt to deflect criticism,” the PIL said and urged the HC to direct the authorities to ensure and protect the rights of the artisan community and grant them compensation. —with agency inputs