Mumbai/Alive News: The Bombay High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to restore actor Dia Mirza’s video urging people to avoid bursting firecrackers during Diwali. The court criticised political remarks against the actor and said the issue should be viewed from an environmental perspective, reminding leaders that India is a secular country.
According to LiveLaw, a Division Bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale expressed displeasure over comments made by some politicians, describing them as inappropriate. The judges noted that Mirza had recorded the video at the BMC’s request as part of an awareness campaign following the court’s directions on firecrackers.
The video was removed from the civic body’s social media accounts on November 1 after Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam objected to it and questioned the campaign. Some BJP leaders also accused the actor of being anti-Hindu.
The court observed that Mirza had acted in accordance with its directions and that the campaign should not be given a religious or political angle. Justice Gokhale remarked that everyone breathes the same air, regardless of religion or beliefs.
Mirza later told news agency ANI that the video was made in the public interest and that air pollution was a public health concern.
The removal triggered criticism from opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar questioned whether the BMC was acting under political pressure.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde criticised Mirza and said the civic body had blacklisted her.
