BMC yet to restore Dia Mirza's Diwali video despite Bombay HC order

The BMC is yet to restore Dia Mirza's anti-firecracker Diwali video despite a Bombay High Court direction to re-upload it by Thursday evening. The video was taken down after a BJP leader objected to it, prompting the court to criticise the political objections and stress secular values.

In Short

• Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected before the video's removal
• Mayor Ritu Tawde publicly defended deletion and labelled Mirza anti-Hindu
• Officials said Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide will make the final decision

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has yet to re-upload actor Dia Mirza's video urging people to avoid firecrackers during Diwali despite a Bombay High Court direction to restore it by Thursday evening.

The civic body removed the video from its social media platforms on Sunday night after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to it. Mayor Ritu Tawde defended the decision and described Mirza as "anti-Hindu".

Expressing "deep pain and displeasure" over the political objections, the High Court on Tuesday directed the BMC to restore the deleted video. It also said the Constitution expects all citizens to foster a secular spirit.

BMC officials told PTI that Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide would take the final decision on re-uploading the video. Bhide has not commented on the matter, while officials said the delay was due to an examination of the court order. They did not provide a clear timeline for restoring the video.

The High Court said it was anguished by the "petty mindset" of certain people, particularly public representatives. It called it "most unfortunate" that a video aimed at raising awareness about the environment and air and noise pollution had been given a different colour.

Mirza's video was part of the BMC's eco-friendly Diwali campaign, which was launched following the High Court's directions to prevent air and noise pollution caused by firecrackers.

While Mirza's video was removed, videos featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane remain available on the BMC's X and Instagram pages.

Mirza was appointed the United Nations Environment Programme's Goodwill Ambassador for India in 2017 and an Advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2019. She has been involved in campaigns related to environmental conservation, climate change, wildlife protection and plastic pollution.

The BMC is therefore still awaiting a final decision from its municipal commissioner on restoring Mirza's video, even as the High Court has ordered the civic body to re-upload it.

- Ends