Bombay High Court slams BMC for removing Dia Mirza's Diwali video

The Bombay High Court has expressed serious displeasure over the decision of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to remove a Diwali video featuring actress Dia Mirza from social media. A bench comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale termed the move 'extremely unfortunate' and ordered the BMC to re-upload the video.

The entire controversy began with the BMC's eco-friendly and cracker-free Diwali campaign. In view of the rising air pollution in Mumbai, the High Court had previously issued guidelines regarding fireworks. In compliance with these directions, the BMC imposed a complete ban on bursting crackers on public roads, lanes, and footpaths. To raise awareness among citizens, the BMC produced videos with several celebrities, including Dia Mirza. In her video, Mirza appealed to people to use green crackers and refrain from bursting crackers on public roads.

According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, the video was posted on Sunday on the BMC's official X (Twitter) handle and other social media accounts, but was removed the same night. Some leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised objections to the video. Amit Satme, president of the BJP's Mumbai unit, stated that Diwali has been celebrated for 5,000 years and will continue to be so, and therefore, they do not need to learn how to celebrate the festival from anyone. He referred to those appealing against crackers as part of the 'Tukde-Tukde Gang'. In another report, BJP leader Ashwini Bhide also commented that there is no need to take lessons from Dia Mirza on how to celebrate Diwali.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde launched a scathing attack on Dia Mirza, labeling her 'anti-Hindu'. Mayor Tawde alleged that Mirza has always stood with divisive elements and had trolled Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the NEET examination issue. The Mayor further stated, "They have always been anti-Hindu; we have blacklisted them." On the other hand, BMC Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadge stated that he found nothing objectionable in the actress's message.

During the hearing on this controversy, the High Court bench expressed deep disappointment over the comments made by the politicians. Justice Kulkarni remarked that the leaders had ignored the court's previous order which permitted everyone to participate in the awareness campaign. The court noted that Dia Mirza had delivered a very good message on air pollution and it is unfortunate to create a political controversy over a video spreading environmental awareness. The court also cited a Supreme Court observation that Diwali is celebrated by all people, transcending caste and religion.

The court clarified that India is a secular country and the Constitution expects citizens to maintain a secular spirit. The bench stated that when it comes to health, pollution, and the environment, there is no room for factionalism or religious objections. The court added that the city of Mumbai runs on a spirit of unity and belonging, and this balance should not be disturbed by irresponsible comments. The court also expressed surprise as to why an objection on religious grounds was raised regarding awareness on environmental issues.

Supporting the BMC Commissioner's decision, the High Court stated that selecting celebrities to spread awareness was appropriate, but there was no need to remove the video subsequently. The court remarked that the controversy arose due to the 'narrow mindset' of some people, but it is not right to give a communal colour to an environmental message. The court instructed the BMC to re-upload the removed clip on Monday to restore faith in society.

A significant detail that emerged in this case is that the BMC had removed only Dia Mirza's video. Videos of other celebrities such as actress Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane were kept intact on the BMC's social media handles. Reacting to this selective action, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray said that the BMC had asked Dia Mirza to make the video via an official letter and then removed it upon the objection of BJP leader Amit Satme. Thackeray alleged that the BJP cannot run a government at any level. Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad also supported Dia Mirza and accused the BJP of linking every issue with religion.

On the other hand, Dia Mirza shared her reaction on social media, writing, "I did not take any money for this. It is no longer the era of kindness." She further stated that efforts to reduce air pollution should be welcomed as it is a matter of public health.

The court concluded by reiterating that every member of the community must be respected, regardless of their religion, caste, or creed. The court stated that such behavior is not expected from those in public office. The bench clarified that giving a communal colour to a video spreading awareness about the environment and air pollution is very sad, as people of all religions and castes in the country breathe the same air.