PIL Demands Apology and Compensation for Artisans
Mumbai : Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has landed in legal trouble after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Bombay High Court for allegedly misusing the traditional identity of Kolhapuri chappals. The PIL demands a public apology from Prada and seeks financial compensation for the artisans who have historically crafted the iconic Indian footwear.
The petitioner accused Prada of cultural appropriation by using the “Kolhapuri” name and design without proper attribution or benefit to local artisans. The PIL emphasizes the protection of Geographical Indication (GI) rights and urges the court to ensure justice for the affected craftsmen.
The case is likely to spark a wider debate on intellectual property rights, traditional craftsmanship, and ethical branding by international labels.
