Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to re-upload actress Dia Mirza’s awareness video, in which she appealed to people not to burst firecrackers on public roads during Diwali. This video was released in compliance with the court’s earlier directives aimed at curbing pollution.
A division bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale expressed strong displeasure over comments made by some political leaders against the actress for participating in the awareness campaign. The court reiterated that India is a secular country and judicial directives issued in the public interest must be followed.
BMC removed the video after political opposition
The BMC had included Dia Mirza in the Diwali awareness campaign. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about air pollution and encourage people to adhere to court-imposed restrictions on bursting firecrackers in public places.
However, the civic body removed Dia Mirza’s video from its social media platforms following objections from BJP leaders, including Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam and BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde.
Tawde criticized Dia Mirza’s appeal, alleging that the actress’s objections consistently denounce Hindutva and its supporters. He stated that Hindus do not need to be taught how to celebrate Diwali. He also accused the actress of presenting her views only on select issues.
Dia Mirza said the video was made in public interest
Responding to the controversy, Dia Mirza defended the video. She stated that the video was recorded on the instructions of the Bombay High Court and was intended to raise public awareness about air pollution.
Speaking to IANS on Monday, the actress said that Diwali is a festival of the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. She explained that the video was created to encourage people to celebrate the festival in a healthy and responsible manner. Describing air pollution as a public health issue, she said that every effort to reduce it contributes to a better environment for all.
Several celebrities participated in the Diwali campaign
In addition to Dia Mirza, several well-known personalities, including actress Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, participated in the BMC’s Diwali awareness campaign. They appealed to people to celebrate the festival in an environmentally responsible manner.
However, objections were raised to Dia Mirza’s participation, and the role of celebrities in advising the public on how to celebrate the festival was questioned.