Bombay High Court Dismisses PIL Against Prada Over Alleged Kolhapuri Chappal Design Use

The Bombay High Court dismissed a PIL filed by five advocates against Prada, accusing the brand of using a design resembling Maharashtra’s Kolhapuri chappals in its Spring/Summer 2026 collection.

The Court held that the petitioners lacked locus standi, as they were neither registered proprietors nor aggrieved parties under the Geographical Indications Act.

The bench emphasised that only the registered proprietors, namely the Leather Industries Development Corporations, could take legal action. 

The PIL alleged cultural misappropriation and sought a sales ban and compensation. However, the Court ruled that such infringement claims require civil suits backed by evidence, not PILs alleging cultural misappropriation.