The Bombay High Court on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) dismissed a public curiosity litigation (PIL) against Italian style home Prada for its alleged unauthorised use of the well-known Kolhapuri chappals(sandals).
A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne questioned the “locus” and statutory right of the 5 advocates who had filed the PIL, saying they weren’t the aggrieved individuals or the registered proprietor or proprietor of the footwear.
“You are not the owner of this Kolhapuri chappal. What is your locus and what is the public interest? Any person aggrieved can file a suit. What is the public interest in this,” the courtroom requested.
The plea had stated the Kolhapuri chappal (sandals) is protected as a Geographical Indication (GI) underneath the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act.
Watch: What makes a leather-based sandal a Kolhapuri chappal? | Pulse Maharashtra
The bench then stated that the registered proprietor of the GI Tag can come to courtroom and espouse their very own motion.
The courtroom dismissed the plea and stated it might cross an in depth order later.
Also learn | Meet the actual artisans behind India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals — now within the international highlight
In their spring/summer season assortment, Prada showcased their ‘toe-ring sandals’, which the petition stated are deceptively comparable to the Kolhapuri chappals. These sandals are priced at ₹1 lakh per pair.
News in Frames | Kolhapuri chappals stroll on stylish runways
Hands at work: Artisans set out leather-based items of assorted sizes to make the chappals.
First step: Pieces of vegetable-tanned leather-based is laid out to dry underneath the solar on a terrace on Kolhapur.
Bootstrapping custom: Leather ‘ears’ used to connect the T-strap are left to dry at a workshop.
Crafting every step: Tools used to make Kolhapuri chappals are stored in exact order for the comfort of the artisans.
Shaping the only: Absorbed in his work, a craftsman cuts the right form for a chappal.
On the anvil: The Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted in modest workshops.
A sew in time: At her dwelling workshop, an artisan stitches the only of the chappal.
Finishing touches: Inside Kolhapur’s Chappal market, an artisan polishes a pair of Kolhapuris, giving the handmade leather-based its sheen.
Royal replicas: Shubam Satpute, proprietor of Igna Leathers, showcases a pair of royal Kolhapuris, replicas of the footwear as soon as worn by King Shahu Maharaj, who is taken into account a visionary ruler.
Timeless show: Kolhapuri chappals on show at Rashtriya Leather Works, one of many oldest retailers out there. The cottage trade has acquired a lift with the worldwide consideration after style model Prada praised the craftsmanship behind the standard footwear.
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