GI tag for Kolhapuri chappals belongs to two govt agencies officially
Kolhapuri Chappals Get GI Tag : In a significant development, the Geographical Indication, or GI, tag for the traditional Kolhapuri chappal has been officially confirmed to belong to two government agencies – the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Limited (LIDCOM) in Maharashtra, and the Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Limited (LIDKAR) in Karnataka.
Italian fashion brand Prada sparked controversy after it showcased leather sandals resembling Kolhapuri sandals in its Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The company claimed that the sandals were its own. Subsequently, a public interest litigation was filed in the Bombay High Court, which was later dismissed. The court said that only registered GI holders have the right to initiate legal action.
Against this backdrop, in a joint statement, LIDCOM and LIDKAR have now firmly stated that no other individual or entity is entitled to represent Kolhapuri chappals on a global scale. The corporations have reiterated their commitment to protecting the GI identity and the rights of thousands of local artisans who keep this centuries-old tradition alive.
ALSO READ : aditya roy kapoor upcoming movies
