Bombay High Court Orders BMC to Restore Dia Mirza Diwali Video After Political Row

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed actor Dia Mirza's anti-firecracker video from its social media accounts after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her participation in the civic awareness campaign. Satam said Mumbaikars did not need lessons on celebrating Diwali from the actress and described Indian traditions as deeply rooted in culture. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also criticised Mirza, accusing her of pursuing a selective agenda and siding with divisive forces.

The Bombay High Court took suo motu notice of the controversy and directed the BMC to re-upload the clip. A division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale said it was deeply pained and displeased by the row, describing the mindset of certain public representatives as petty. The court reminded citizens that India is a secular country and that environmental protection affects everyone regardless of religion or caste.

“Dia Mirza shouldn't teach us how to celebrate Diwali. She may continue working on her selective agenda. Dia Mirza has always sided with divisive forces.”

The bench noted that no person can question why authorities chose a particular celebrity to spread awareness. It also affirmed that the BMC commissioner was correct in selecting celebrities for the campaign. Similar videos featuring Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane remained online while Mirza's clip was removed.

Mirza defended her participation, saying the video was recorded in the interest of public awareness and that air pollution is a public health concern. She stated that everyone breathes the same air, irrespective of identity. The court urged respect for every person in the community regardless of religion, caste or creed.

The controversy has renewed debate over Mirza's environmental activism and her past criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court's intervention came after the video was deleted on Monday following objections from BJP leaders and the mayor. The civic body has been instructed to restore the clip without delay.