Bombay High Court Orders BMC to Reinstate Dia Mirza's Diwali Awareness Video

Court's Directive on Public Awareness Campaign

Mumbai: On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to restore a public awareness video featuring actress Dia Mirza, which encouraged citizens to refrain from using firecrackers on public roads during Diwali.

This video was created in response to the court's previous orders aimed at reducing pollution levels.

A division bench, comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale, expressed significant discontent regarding comments made by certain political figures targeting the actress for her involvement in the campaign.

The court reiterated India's secular nature and highlighted the necessity of adhering to judicial directives that serve the public good.

The BMC had enlisted Dia Mirza as part of its initiative to raise awareness about air pollution and to ensure compliance with court-mandated restrictions on firecracker usage in public areas. However, the video was taken down from the BMC's social media after objections from BJP leaders, including Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam and BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde.

Mayor Tawde criticized Mirza's message, claiming that her stance was consistently against Hindutva and those associated with it. She contended that Hindus did not need guidance on celebrating Diwali and accused the actress of having a biased agenda.

In light of the backlash, Dia Mirza defended the video, stating it was made under the Bombay High Court's direction and aimed at raising public awareness regarding air pollution.

"Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The video was created to foster public awareness and promote a healthier, more conscious celebration. Air pollution is a public health issue, and every initiative to mitigate it contributes to a better environment for everyone," Mirza explained to IANS on Monday.

The BMC's Diwali campaign included various public figures, such as actress Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, who advocated for environmentally friendly celebrations. Nevertheless, Mirza's involvement faced criticism, with detractors questioning the role of celebrities in guiding the public on festival customs.