High Court Criticises ‘Loose Comments’ on Dia Mirza’s Diwali Ad, Directs BMC to Restore Video

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s decision to remove a Diwali awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza. The court criticised political leaders for making “loose comments” against celebrities participating in public awareness campaigns. A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale asked the civic body to restore the deleted video. The judges emphasised that the campaign promoted environmental protection and public health. They also stressed that Mumbai’s social harmony depends on mutual respect and togetherness. The court observed that unnecessary political controversy could undermine these values. It urged the municipal corporation to reconsider its decision and restore public confidence in constitutional principles. The controversy emerged after political leaders questioned Mirza’s participation in the campaign.

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High Court Highlights Secular Values and Environmental Responsibility

The Bombay High Court strongly emphasised the importance of secularism, social harmony and environmental responsibility during its observations. The bench said Mumbai thrives on togetherness and warned against disturbing this balance through divisive political remarks. Judges expressed concern over criticism directed at celebrities supporting the BMC’s pollution awareness initiative. They noted that environmental protection concerns everyone, regardless of religion, caste or community. The court highlighted that every citizen breathes the same air and faces pollution-related health risks. It also acknowledged that the campaign followed suggestions previously made by the High Court itself. According to the judges, celebrities had conveyed a meaningful message through their participation. The bench considered the controversy unnecessary and said public interest initiatives should not become platforms for factionalism.

The controversy intensified after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam questioned Dia Mirza’s participation in the Diwali awareness campaign. Satam objected to the actor offering advice about celebrating the festival and emphasised the importance of cultural traditions. Following his remarks, the BMC removed Mirza’s video from its official social media platforms. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde subsequently supported the decision and accused the actor of opposing Hindutva. However, the civic body did not issue an official clarification explaining the removal. The campaign originally aimed to encourage citizens to celebrate Diwali responsibly. Videos featuring Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane continued appearing on the BMC’s social media accounts. The selective removal consequently attracted public attention and political criticism.

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Dia Mirza Defends Participation in Pollution Awareness Campaign

Dia Mirza defended her participation in the campaign and questioned the criticism surrounding her public service message. The actor explained that she recorded the video following a directive from the Bombay High Court and the BMC. She emphasised that air pollution remains a serious public health concern. Mirza also maintained that authorities and citizens should welcome initiatives aimed at reducing pollution. Her remarks highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the environment. The campaign featured several prominent personalities encouraging residents to avoid firecrackers and minimise harmful emissions. Their messages addressed noise pollution, deteriorating air quality and the health consequences of excessive fireworks. Mirza’s response brought attention back to the environmental purpose of the campaign. She reiterated that public health initiatives deserve support rather than unnecessary criticism.

The removal of Dia Mirza’s video triggered wider political reactions across Mumbai and Maharashtra. BJP leaders argued that environmental restrictions disproportionately targeted Hindu festivals and questioned the campaign’s cultural implications. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, criticised the BMC for allegedly responding to political pressure. They questioned why the civic body removed one celebrity’s message while retaining other campaign videos. The controversy also raised concerns about the independence of public institutions when political disagreements influence administrative decisions. The Bombay High Court’s observations reinforced the importance of constitutional values and responsible public discourse. Although the judges considered restoring the video an ideal step, they left the final decision with the municipal corporation. The episode highlighted tensions between cultural sensitivities, political messaging and environmental protection. It also renewed discussions about promoting inclusive celebrations while safeguarding public health.

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