Mumbai: A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court against luxury fashion house Prada for allegedly appropriating Maharashtra’s Kolhapuri chappal without authorisation. The petition, filed by six Pune-based lawyers, seeks compensation for Indian artisans and a public apology.
The PIL contends that Prada’s Spring/Summer collection includes ‘toe ring sandals’ that are “deceptively similar” to the Kolhapuri chappals. The sandals are reportedly priced at Rs1 lakh per pair.
“The Kolhapuri chappal is the cultural symbol of Maharashtra and has special public sentiments attached with it,” the plea states, adding that the product enjoys protection as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
According to the PIL, Prada has “privately accepted” that its collection was inspired by Indian artisans, but has not issued any formal statement or offered compensation. “The private acknowledgement appears to be merely a superficial attempt to deflect criticism,” the PIL alleges.
The plea urges the court to issue a permanent injunction against the alleged unauthorised use of the GI and to direct Prada to compensate artisans for “reputational and economic damages”.
