The Bombay High Court has strongly criticized political remarks made against actor Dia Mirza for her eco-friendly Diwali awareness video and directed the BMC to restore the deleted footage. Emphasizing India's secular values, the court noted that festivals are for everyone and that Mirza's message merely aligned with judicial orders to curb air pollution. The controversy had erupted after certain BJP leaders labeled the actor's appeal as anti-Hindu, prompting the civic body to temporarily remove the content from its platforms.

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticized political remarks made against actor Dia Mirza for her eco-friendly Diwali awareness video and directed the BMC to restore the deleted footage. Emphasizing India's secular values, the court noted that festivals are for everyone and that Mirza's message merely aligned with judicial orders to curb air pollution. The controversy had erupted after certain BJP leaders labeled the actor's appeal as anti-Hindu, prompting the civic body to temporarily remove the content from its platforms.

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticized political remarks made against actor Dia Mirza for her eco-friendly Diwali awareness video and directed the BMC to restore the deleted footage. Emphasizing India's secular values, the court noted that festivals are for everyone and that Mirza's message merely aligned with judicial orders to curb air pollution. The controversy had erupted after certain BJP leaders labeled the actor's appeal as anti-Hindu, prompting the civic body to temporarily remove the content from its platforms.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed concern over remarks made by certain politicians against actor Dia Mirza and directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to restore a deleted video in which she appealed for an eco-friendly, firecracker-free Diwali.

A Division Bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale underscored that India is a secular country and said it was disturbed by the comments made by politicians against the actor.

“A festival is for everyone to celebrate... No individual can be isolated from celebrating any festival in this country... How can you object to someone's participation just because that person is from some other religion? Aren't we a secular country?” the bench orally observed, according to a LiveLaw report.

The 44-year-old actor had featured in an awareness video for the BMC, in which she urged people not to burst firecrackers on public roads, citing a High Court order.

The video triggered a controversy after some BJP leaders objected to it and termed it "anti-Hindu".

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde claimed that Mirza had "always taken an anti-Hindu and anti-government stand", while Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane questioned the civic body's decision to promote someone like her.

“People like her are against the Sanatan Hindu religion. I will discuss this issue with the Chief Minister so that such things are prevented in the future,” Rane had said.

As the controversy escalated, the BMC took down the video from its social media platforms. Notably, other celebrities, including Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, had featured in similar awareness videos, which continue to remain available on social media.

The High Court took strong exception to the remarks made by politicians against Mirza and said she had delivered a "really good message" on air pollution in accordance with the court's order. Justice Kulkarni also referred to the Supreme Court's observation that Diwali is celebrated by people irrespective of caste or religion.

The court finally directed the BMC to re-upload Mirza's video and "restore the confidence of the people".

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