Cinema VinesThe Bombay High Court has ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to repost a video featuring actress Dia Mirza that urges Diwali revelers to avoid setting off firecrackers on public streets. The video was taken down from the BMC’s social media after certain political leaders raised objections, prompting the court to intervene.
Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale, who sat on the bench, expressed dismay over the controversy and the remarks made against Mirza. They noted that the remarks were “disturbed by the stray comments made by some politicians” and reminded the public that “India is a secular country.” The judges emphasized that the campaign was about environmental and public‑health concerns, not a religious issue.
Mirza had recorded the clip at the BMC’s request as part of an awareness drive following the court’s earlier directives to curb firecracker use and reduce air pollution during Diwali. The civic body had also enlisted other public figures to promote a quieter, cleaner celebration.
During the hearing, the bench questioned the objections to Mirza’s participation on the basis of her religion, stating that “a festival is for everyone to celebrate… No individual can be isolated from celebrating any festival in this country.” Justice Gokhale added that the matter was purely environmental, noting that “everyone is breathing the same air, be it anyone.”
The court cited the Supreme Court’s observation that Diwali is a shared celebration across communities and warned that environmental measures should not be politicised or turned into a communal issue. It directed the BMC to restore the video and urged the corporation to avoid a “knee‑jerk reaction” to political pressure, saying that “there is no room for factionalism” when the discussion concerns health, pollution and the environment.
