The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, November 3, directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to restore an awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza, after the civic body removed it following objections from political leaders.
The video was part of the BMC’s Diwali campaign encouraging citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers on public streets and highlighting the impact of noise and air pollution.
A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale expressed displeasure over the remarks made against Mirza, saying it was unfortunate that an environmental awareness initiative had been drawn into a controversy.
“We are a secular country. We are really hurt by this. The issue pertains to the environment and every person, irrespective of their religion and caste, is breathing the same air,” the court observed.
The BMC had included Mirza in its public awareness campaign on the harmful effects of firecrackers. In the video, the actor urged people not to burst crackers on public roads, citing the civic body’s environmental message.
The campaign also featured other public figures, including actor Madhuri Dixit, actor Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.
However, Mirza’s video was removed from the BMC’s social media platforms after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her participation. Satam questioned the actor’s message on celebrating Diwali and said people did not need lessons on how to observe their traditions.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also criticised Mirza, accusing her of taking an “anti-Hindu” and “anti-government” stand.
The removal of the video triggered a political controversy, with questions being raised over why Mirza’s clip was taken down while other campaign videos remained available.
During the hearing, the Bombay High Court said the campaign was intended to raise awareness about environmental protection and public health, and should not be given any other interpretation.
The bench said Mirza had participated in the campaign in accordance with the court’s earlier directions and questioned the criticism directed at her.
The judges also expressed concern over the BMC’s decision to remove the video after the political objections.
The court said Mumbai’s sense of togetherness should not be disturbed by “loose comments” and stressed that public representatives must respect people irrespective of their religion, caste or community.
It asked the civic body to restore the video, observing that doing so would help reinforce public confidence in the Constitution.
Mirza had defended her involvement in the BMC’s awareness initiative, questioning why a public health message should attract criticism.
The actor said she had recorded the video at the request of the civic body and in the public interest, in line with the court’s directions.
She also highlighted air pollution as a concern and said efforts to reduce it should be welcomed because the issue affects public health.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to the debate around firecrackers, environmental concerns and the role of public figures in civic awareness campaigns.
The Bombay High Court’s observations centred on the need to treat environmental protection as a public issue rather than a religious one.
The bench said the campaign was aimed at reducing pollution and that people from every religion and community breathe the same air.
The court also noted that the BMC had been correct in selecting public figures to spread awareness and said the issue should not be diverted by unnecessary controversy.
The direction to restore Mirza’s video came as the court continued hearing a suo motu case concerning festive noise and air pollution in Mumbai.