Bombay HC orders BMC to restore Dia Mirza's Diwali video removed after political criticism

A controversy over a video by actor Dia Mirza, in which she appealed to people to celebrate Diwali with care for the environment instead of bursting firecrackers, has reached the courts. The Bombay High Court has taken a firm stand, expressing displeasure at statements by some political leaders who criticised the video. It has also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to put back on social media the video that was removed after political pressure.

The row began with a BMC campaign. The civic body ran the special drive to raise public awareness about air pollution in Mumbai, and enlisted the help of several well-known people, including Dia Mirza and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. The aim was to inform citizens about the court's directions against bursting firecrackers on public roads.

Dia Mirza's inclusion in the campaign set off a political dispute. BJP leader Amit Satam objected, saying in a social media post that people did not need Dia Mirza to learn how to celebrate Diwali. The civic body then removed her video from its official social media account. The Mayor and some other BJP leaders subsequently also criticised the actor.

Taking the matter seriously, the Bombay High Court questioned the civic body's stand. A bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale expressed unease at the statements of some political leaders. The court made it clear that India is a secular country and told the leaders so.

The bench directed the BMC to upload the removed video again on social media. The video had been made to convey to people the court's directions on bursting firecrackers on public roads. The court therefore expressed displeasure at the decision to take it down after political criticism.

Dia Mirza had appealed to people on the occasion of Diwali to look after the environment and their health. In her video she said: "Namaskar, the festival of Diwali is near. While celebrating, we must care for both the environment and health. The noise and air pollution caused by firecrackers is harmful to all of us. My appeal to you is to celebrate Diwali with joy, not with noise. Wishing you all a very happy Diwali!"

The video was an attempt to spread awareness about noise and air pollution caused by firecrackers. The civic body had removed it after the political row. The Bombay High Court has now directed that it be played again, giving the matter a new turn.