New Delhi, July 4 -- The row over Prada's use of Kohlapuri chappals without crediting India has escalated, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) being filed at the Bombay High Court, demanding that the Italian fashion house must compensate Indian artisans.

The PIL, filed by Intellectual Property Rights advocate Ganesh S Hingemire o July 2, also seeks a public apology of Prada and a direction to the government for protection of the Indian traditional designs.

"This Public Interest Litigation seeks directions and appropriate reliefs, including an injunction and damages/compensation for the unauthorised commercialisation of a GI-tagged product, which has caused significant harm to the community traditionally associated with it, particula...