The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised political remarks targeting actor Dia Mirza over her participation in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) eco-friendly Diwali campaign and directed the civic body to re-upload her deleted awareness video.

A Division Bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale expressed displeasure over the controversy, emphasising that India is a secular country and that environmental awareness should not be given a communal or political colour.

Court: India Is a Secular Country

The controversy arose after Mirza appeared in a BMC awareness video urging citizens not to burst firecrackers on public streets, in accordance with the High Court’s directions concerning noise and air pollution.

Following objections from BJP leaders, who accused the actor of being “anti-Hindu”, the BMC removed her video from its social media accounts while retaining videos featuring other celebrities.

During the hearing, the Bench questioned the objections to Mirza’s participation on religious grounds and observed that festivals are meant for everyone to celebrate.

The Court remarked that no individual should be excluded from celebrating a festival merely because they belong to another religion. It also noted that Mirza had acted in accordance with the Court’s directions and had delivered a meaningful message on air pollution.

Environmental Issue Should Not Be Given a Communal Colour

Justice Neela Gokhale observed that the matter was purely an environmental issue, adding that everyone breathes the same air, irrespective of religion or caste.

The Bench also referred to the Supreme Court’s observations recognising Diwali as a festival celebrated across communities and questioned the political objections to the actor’s participation.

The Court expressed concern that the controversy had diverted attention from the purpose of the campaign and stated that there was no room for factionalism in matters concerning public health and environmental protection.

BMC Directed to Re-upload the Video

The High Court directed the BMC to restore Mirza’s video, observing that the civic body should not have reacted hastily to political objections.

The Bench said restoring the video would help rebuild public confidence in the Constitution and promote a sense of togetherness in Mumbai.

The Court further reiterated that its directions concerning firecrackers and pollution were intended to protect public health and the environment, and should not be interpreted as taking away anyone’s right to celebrate Diwali.

The Bench urged public representatives to exercise restraint in their comments and concluded that the controversy should be resolved in a spirit of belongingness and mutual respect.