Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed “deep pain and displeasure” over the controversy surrounding actor Dia Mirza's video for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) eco-friendly Diwali campaign and directed the civic body to restore the clip.
A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale criticised remarks made by BJP leaders against the actor, saying it was anguished by the “petty mindset” of certain individuals, particularly those holding public positions.
The court said it was “most unfortunate” that a video intended to raise awareness about the environment and air and noise pollution had been given a political and religious colour.
It observed that the BMC commissioner was right in selecting celebrities to spread awareness and said unnecessary issues should not have been raised over the campaign.
“There has to be a secular spirit, and the Constitution expects citizens to foster the same. If the clip was taken off, then it would be ideal that the same should be re-uploaded,” the bench said.
The court also noted that Mumbai's social fabric was built on togetherness and a strong sense of belonging, which should not be disturbed by “loose comments”.
The controversy erupted after a BJP leader objected to Mirza's video and labelled her anti-Hindu. The BMC subsequently removed her clip from its social media pages, while retaining campaign videos featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.
The civic body had launched the campaign urging citizens to avoid firecrackers and celebrate an environment-friendly Diwali, following a Bombay High Court directive amid rising air pollution in the city.