Bombay High Court Orders Restoration of Dia Mirza's Eco-Friendly Diwali Video Amid Political Controversy

The Bombay High Court has intervened to restore an eco-friendly Diwali awareness video featuring Dia Mirza, which was removed by the BMC following political objections. The court criticized the political rhetoric surrounding the video, emphasizing the importance of secularism in public campaigns. This ruling serves as a reminder that environmental initiatives should focus on public welfare rather than political agendas, especially during festive celebrations. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the role of celebrities in promoting social causes and the impact of political sentiments on public awareness campaigns.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 15:39 IST

Court's Directive to Restore Awareness Video

The Bombay High Court has mandated the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to reinstate an awareness video featuring actress Dia Mirza, which had been taken down from the civic body's social media accounts. This video promoted a celebration of Diwali that was both eco-friendly and devoid of firecrackers, but it quickly became embroiled in political controversy following its release. In the video, Mirza referenced a prior High Court ruling while urging citizens to avoid using firecrackers on public roads to help reduce air and noise pollution.

Political Backlash and Controversy

The uproar began when Amit Satam, the Mumbai BJP chief, raised objections to the video's content, prompting the BMC to remove it within hours. This decision ignited a larger discussion, especially since other celebrity-led awareness initiatives, including those featuring Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, remained available on the BMC's platforms. Political figures such as Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane criticized the selection of Mirza for the campaign, accusing her of harboring anti-Hindu sentiments and questioning the absence of similar environmental messages for other religious celebrations.

Judicial Critique of Political Rhetoric

During the court proceedings, Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale expressed their discontent with the political rhetoric aimed at Mirza. They conveyed their disappointment over the narrow-mindedness exhibited by certain public representatives. The judges noted that it was regrettable that a campaign intended to foster environmental awareness and tackle pollution was being politicized.

Reaffirming Secular Principles in Public Initiatives

The High Court reiterated the secular nature of India and expressed sorrow over the derogatory remarks directed at Mirza. By ordering the video’s reinstatement, the court highlighted the necessity of keeping public interest campaigns free from religious and political biases. This ruling serves as a judicial reminder that efforts aimed at environmental protection and promoting responsible festival celebrations should prioritize public welfare over political agendas.