Geographical Indication In Context Of The Rasgulla Controversy

'Geographical Indication' refers to a sign which is used on products possessing some qualities, characteristics, reputation attributable to the geographical origin. There needs to be a clear link between the product and the place of production.¹The Act providing protection to Geographical Indications (GI) in India is The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999².

On the basis of the nature, the products obtaining a GI tag can be divided into 4 categories:

1. Agricultural: For e.g. Darjeeling Tea³ from West Bengal;
2. Handicraft: For e.g. Chanderi Sarees⁴ from Madhya Pradesh;
3. Manufactured: For e.g. Mysore Sandal Soap⁵ from Karnataka; and
4. Food Stuff: For e.g. Bikaneri Bhujia⁶ from Rajasthan.