A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court demanding that the Italian fashion house Prada pay compensation to the Kolhapuri chappal artisans for allegedly copying their design in their latest unveiled summer collection.
Kolhapuri Chappal is already protected as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
As per the PIL, Italy-based fashion house Prada has recently released its Spring/Summer collection showcasing their 'Toe ring sandals' that are deceptively similar, stylistically and culturally derived from a GI-registered 'Kolhapuri Chappal' that are reportedly priced at over Rs 1 lakh per pair which is now rebranded under the European fashion label.
Intellectual Property Rights advocate Ganesh S Hingemire filed the PIL on July 2, 2025. "The matter concerns the misrepresentation, cultural misappropriation, unauthorized commercialization of "Kolhapuri Chappal" during an international fashion event held at a Spring/Summer Men's Collection 2026 at Milan, Italy on 22nd June, 2025, where its genuine origin, traditional custodianship and Geographical Indication (GI) status were entirely overlooked.
This Public Interest Litigation seeks directions and appropriate reliefs, including an injunction and damages/compensation for the unauthorised commercialisation of a GI-tagged product, which has caused significant harm to the community traditionally associated with it, particularly in Maharashtra State," read the PIL.
Following a massive backlash for plagiarising Indian artisans' work, Prada shared a statement accepting that its latest summer wear collection was "inspired by Indian artisans".
However, the petitioners claim that the fashion brand (Prada) has not issued any "formal apology" along with any "damages", "compensation" and "entitled remedy" to the Maharashtrian artisans.
