A employee polishes the kolhapuri chappals at his store in Chappal market in #Kolhapur. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

The #Bombay High Court on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) dismissed a public curiosity litigation (PIL) towards Italian vogue 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 proper 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 should not the proprietor of this #Kolhapuri chappal. What is your locus and what’s the public curiosity? Any particular person aggrieved can file a swimsuit. What is the general public curiosity on this,” the court docket requested.

The plea had mentioned 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 mentioned that the registered proprietor of the GI Tag can come to court docket and espouse their very own motion.

The court docket dismissed the plea and mentioned it could move an in depth order later.

Also learn | Meet the true 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 mentioned are deceptively much like the #Kolhapuri chappals. These sandals are priced at ₹1 lakh per pair.

News in Frames | #Kolhapuri chappals stroll on stylish runways

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Published – July 16, 2025 12:29 pm IST