‘We Are A Secular Country’: Bombay HC Slams Political Remarks Against Dia Mirza, Orders BMC To Re-upload Diwali Video

Mumbai: Strongly defending secular values, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday reprimanded politicians for targeting actor Dia Mirza over her appeal for an eco-friendly, firecracker-free Diwali and directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to re-upload her deleted awareness video.

A division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale expressed anguish over the political controversy surrounding the video, observing that an environmental awareness campaign should not be given a religious or communal colour.

“We are a secular country. The issue pertains to the environment, and every person, irrespective of religion and caste, breathes the same air,” the bench observed.

The 44-year-old actor had appeared in a BMC awareness campaign, urging people not to burst firecrackers on public roads in accordance with a High Court order. However, the video was taken down hours after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her participation.

The controversy escalated after Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde accused Mirza of taking an “anti-Hindu and anti-government stand”. Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane also questioned the civic body’s decision to feature the actor, alleging that she selectively advocated environment-friendly celebrations during Hindu festivals.

Expressing displeasure over such remarks, the High Court termed the criticism a reflection of a “petty mindset” and said it was unfortunate that an initiative aimed at addressing air and noise pollution had been dragged into unnecessary controversies.

The bench also cautioned public representatives against making divisive comments and stressed that every individual deserves respect irrespective of religion, caste or creed.

“The Constitution expects citizens to foster a secular spirit,” the court observed, adding that the civic body was right in selecting celebrities to promote environmental awareness.

Questioning the BMC’s decision to remove the video following the controversy, the court directed it to re-upload the clip. Observing that Mumbai thrives on togetherness and a shared sense of belonging, the bench said such social harmony should not be disturbed by “loose comments”, particularly from people holding public office.