Bombay HC directs BMC to re-upload Dia Mirza's eco-friendly Diwali video after BJP leaders' criticism

The Bombay High Court has taken serious note of the controversy over actor Dia Mirza's Diwali video. It has ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to upload the removed video again on its social media account.

Dia Mirza had made a video to promote an eco-friendly Diwali, aimed at reducing pollution from firecrackers. The BMC is running a campaign that uses celebrities to spread the message of an environment-friendly Diwali. Several celebrities made videos for it, and Mirza was among them. Her message was to burst crackers during Diwali, but fewer of them.

In the BMC's campaign, Mirza's video was meant to inform people about the court's directions. The court had said firecrackers should not be burst on public roads. At the BMC's request, Mirza made the video to raise awareness about this.

However, some BJP leaders branded her anti-Hindu. Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam wrote on X, "There is no need to take lessons from Dia Mirza on how Diwali should be celebrated. Our traditions and culture are deeply rooted." Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said, "Dia Mirza takes an anti-Hindu stand." The video was then removed from the BMC's social media account.

A bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale said it was disturbed by the statements of some political leaders. The court made it clear, "India is a secular country." Justice Kulkarni asked why her participation was objected to when she had made the video in line with the court's own order.

Justice Gokhale said, "This is entirely an environmental issue; do not give it any other colour. Everyone is breathing the same air." The court asked how a person could be stopped from celebrating a festival or joining an awareness effort because they belong to another religion. The bench also said a ban on firecrackers does not mean taking away the right to celebrate a festival.

The court said celebrities had taken the initiative to protect the environment without any selfish motive, and that opposition to it was unfortunate and disturbing. It said a city like Mumbai rests on mutual brotherhood and understanding, and irresponsible statements should not hurt it. The bench also said no person in India can be kept away from celebrating any festival. Finally, the High Court clearly ordered the BMC to re-upload Mirza's video and thereby maintain citizens' trust.