Bombay HC Orders BMC to Restore Dia Mirza’s Diwali Campaign Video
- Bombay High Court ordered the BMC to restore an eco-friendly Diwali video featuring actor Dia Mirza.
- The video was removed following objections from BJP leaders and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
- Justices Girish Kulkarni and Dr. Neela Gokhale emphasized that environmental issues affect everyone regardless of religion.
- The court warned public officials against making loose comments that disrupt the city's sense of togetherness.
- Other celebrity awareness videos, including those featuring Madhuri Dixit, remain on the civic body's social media.
Neela Gokhale directed the civic body to reinstate the content after it was removed from social media on Monday.
The court stated it was disturbed by the decision of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to remove the pollution-free Diwali campaign video. This directive requires the civic body to return the awareness material to its public platforms.
Court emphasizes secularism and environmental unity
The bench criticized the rhetoric used by politicians against the actor, emphasizing that India is a secular country. It reminded politicians that environmental concerns affect everyone regardless of their religion or caste.
Justice Gokhale described the matter as purely an environmental issue, observing that "Everyone is breathing the same air, be it anyone".
The court noted that Mumbai survives on a feeling of "togetherness" and warned that "the balance ought not to be disturbed by any loose comments". The bench expressed that the matter should conclude "on a happy note and in a sense of belongingness," noting that the city "survives on togetherness and strong feeling of belongingness".
BMC removes video following political objections
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deleted the eco-friendly Diwali video featuring Dia Mirza after facing objections from local leaders. NDTV reported that the removal followed a specific objection from Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam.
The civic body initially removed the content without providing any explanation for the decision. BJP leaders, including Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, objected to the actor's inclusion in the campaign. According to Live Law, these leaders labeled the actor as "anti-Hindu" during their protests against the video.
Politicians label actor anti-Hindu and anti-government
She stated that she would ensure the actor is "blacklisted in our Mahayuti government".
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and city BJP chief Ameet Satam stated the ad was "unfortunate" and had been given a "different colour". Ameet Satam told the public: "We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from Dia Mirza".
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane also criticized the actor for only offering advice on Hindu festivals while ignoring other religious holidays. Rane said he intended to discuss with the Chief Minister how to prevent such campaigns in the future.
Judges criticize knee-jerk reaction by public officials
Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale criticized the petty mindset of the public representatives. The court stated the BMC commissioner was correct in their selection of celebrities to spread awareness.
Justice Kulkarni noted that politicians made their remarks without considering the court's earlier order that permitted the awareness initiative. The court added that it had not seen the politicians who criticized the actor post their own videos to spread awareness about the environment.
The bench warned that public officials should not make loose comments that could disturb the sense of belonging and togetherness in a city like Mumbai.
Legal context of the Diwali awareness campaign
The High Court's 22 September 2026 order banning firecrackers on public streets and the use of laser lights during festivals remains in force throughout the year.
Allegations and Mahayuti government composition
On Monday, 2 November 2026, the average Air Quality Index of Mumbai was 79, which is in the satisfactory category.
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