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A employee polishes the kolhapuri chappals at his store in Chappal market in Kolhapur. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
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.
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
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 real: Absorbed in his work, a craftsman cuts the suitable form for a chappal.
On the anvil: The Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted in modest workshops.
A sew in time: At her residence workshop, an artisan stitches the only real 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 available in the market. The cottage trade has obtained a lift with the worldwide consideration after vogue model Prada praised the craftsmanship behind the normal footwear.
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Published – July 16, 2025 12:29 pm IST
