Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the takedown of a pollution-free Diwali ad by the BMC featuring actress Dia Mirza, the Bombay High Court has now slammed comments made by some politicians. For the unversed, a few politicians had objected to the video in which actor Dia Mirza urged citizens not to burst firecrackers on public streets, ahead of Diwali. The court has also directed the BMC to restore the video.
Bombay HC slams politicians
According to Live Law, a Division Bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale noted that it was “disturbed by the stray comments made by some politicians” while reminding that “India is a Secular country.”
“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 said.
Justice Kulkarni added that the remarks made by politicians did not take note of the court’s earlier order, which allowed everyone to participate in the awareness initiative. The judge also stated that Mirza had delivered a “really good message” on air pollution that was in accordance with the Court’s order, however, the objections that followed from politicians were “really unfortunate”.
Further referring to the Supreme Court’s observation that Diwali is celebrated by everyone irrespective of caste or religion, the Court questioned the opposition to Mirza’s participation on religious grounds. The judges said, “She acted as per the directions of the court.” They added the approach of some corporators and politicians was not right and that they should not give the issue “any other angle.”
Justice Gokhale also stated the matter was purely an environmental issue. “Everyone is breathing the same air, be it anyone,” she observed. He added, “It’s not that barring firecrackers is taking away your right to celebrate the festival.”
Ultimately, the bench directed BMC to re-upload Mirza’s video and “restore the confidence of the people”, noting there was no need for a “knee-jerk reaction”. It also stated that the objections reflected the views of only a few people and should be avoided.
It said, “When we are speaking about health and pollution and environment…There is no room for factionalism,” adding that the matter should conclude “on a happy note and in a sense of belongingness.” “This balance ought not to be disturbed by any loose comment,” the Bench stated.
Dia Mirza Diwali ad controversy
For the unversed, the video was created by Mirza at the BMC’s request to raise awareness about the Supreme Court’s directions against bursting firecrackers on public streets during the festival of Diwali. However, it was later taken down from the civic body’s social media handle after objections from BJP leaders, including Ameet Satam and Ritu Tawde, who labelled her as “anti-Hindu”.