Kolhapuri Chappal GI Tag Officially Held by LIDCOM and LIDKAR: Corporations Reaffirm Sole Ownership Amid Prada Controversy
- MimTimes मिम टाइम्स م ٹائمز
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
01 August 2025
Mumbai,The iconic Kolhapuri chappal—renowned for its craftsmanship and deep-rooted cultural heritage from Maharashtra and Karnataka—has once again taken center stage in the national spotlight. In an official joint statement, the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Limited (LIDCOM) of Maharashtra and the Dr. Babu Jagjivanram Leather Industries Development Corporation Limited (LIDKAR) of Karnataka have reaffirmed that they alone hold the registered global Geographical Indication (GI) ownership of the Kolhapuri chappal.
The announcement comes in the wake of a controversy involving global fashion powerhouse Prada, whose Spring/Summer 2026 men's collection, unveiled in June 2025, showcased leather sandals that bore a striking resemblance to the traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The uncanny similarity sparked intense discussion across social media and artisan communities, raising concerns over cultural appropriation and violation of intellectual property rights.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Bombay High Court by a group of lawyers argued that Prada’s designs infringed upon the GI-protected identity of Kolhapuri chappals. However, on July 16, 2025, the court dismissed the PIL, clarifying that only the registered GI holders—LIDCOM and LIDKAR—possess the legal standing to initiate civil proceedings in such cases.
Following the verdict, both corporations issued a joint press release, firmly asserting their exclusive right to represent, negotiate, or take legal action on matters concerning the Kolhapuri GI. “No individual, group, or organization apart from LIDCOM and LIDKAR is authorized to enter into discussions or engage in legal negotiations with Prada or any international brand regarding this heritage product,” read the statement.
The heritage of Kolhapuri chappals, believed to date back to the 12th-century saint tradition, gained significant prominence during the reign of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, whose progressive policies in the early 20th century empowered local artisans and boosted traditional crafts.
LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar and LIDKAR Managing Director K.M. Vasundhara emphasized that beyond protecting intellectual property, their shared mission is to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of traditional leather artisans and to promote the Kolhapuri legacy globally.
As conversations around cultural heritage and intellectual rights intensify in an increasingly globalized fashion world, this development highlights the importance of legal recognition, ethical representation, and cultural sensitivity in the global marketplace.
