The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised political remarks targeting actress Dia Mirza over her participation in an environmental awareness campaign organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). During a hearing on November 3, 2026, the court expressed displeasure over the controversy and reminded public representatives that India is a secular country where environmental protection should remain above religious and political differences.
The controversy erupted after the BMC removed a Diwali awareness video featuring Dia Mirza following objections from BJP leaders. The actress had encouraged citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers on public roads, highlighting concerns about air and noise pollution in accordance with the High Court's directions.
A division bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale questioned the political criticism and asked the civic body to restore the deleted video.
BMC Eco-Friendly Diwali Campaign Faces Political Objections
The BMC had launched an eco-friendly Diwali campaign featuring several celebrities to encourage responsible celebrations and raise awareness about pollution. Dia Mirza was among those who participated in the initiative, which aimed to educate residents about the environmental and health effects of firecrackers.
However, Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam objected to Mirza's participation, questioning her involvement in advising people about Diwali celebrations.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also criticised the actress, accusing her of taking anti-Hindu and anti-government positions. Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane raised similar objections, questioning why environmental messages were not promoted during religious occasions such as Eid and other festivals.
Following the criticism, the BMC removed Mirza's video from its social media accounts, while campaign videos featuring other celebrities remained available.
Mirza defended her participation, explaining that the video was recorded in the public interest and in connection with the court's directions. She maintained that efforts to reduce air pollution should be welcomed because they concern public health.
The removal subsequently triggered a wider debate over the role of political objections in civic awareness campaigns.
Bombay High Court Secularism Remarks Highlight Pollution Concerns
During the hearing, the Bombay High Court expressed concern over attempts to give a religious dimension to an environmental awareness initiative.
The judges observed that pollution affects everyone, regardless of religion, caste or community, and that public health concerns should not be overshadowed by political disagreements.
The bench also supported the BMC commissioner's decision to involve celebrities in spreading environmental awareness, observing that the campaign served a legitimate public purpose.
Emphasising India's secular character, the court reminded public representatives of their responsibility to respect people from different religious and social backgrounds.
The judges further highlighted Mumbai's tradition of togetherness and social harmony, cautioning that unnecessary public remarks could disturb the spirit of coexistence that defines the city.
The court described the withdrawal of Mirza's video as unfortunate and asked the civic body to make it available again.
The hearing brought renewed attention to firecracker pollution awareness and the importance of keeping public health campaigns focused on environmental protection.
The controversy also raised questions about how civic authorities respond to political criticism when implementing awareness initiatives.
With the High Court calling for the video's restoration, the discussion has returned to the campaign's original purpose: encouraging responsible celebrations, reducing pollution and protecting public health without allowing religious or political differences to overshadow environmental concerns.
