Emphasizing that India is a secular nation, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, expressed “deep pain and displeasure” over political attacks targeting actor Dia Mirza and directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately re-upload her deleted environmental awareness video.
The 44-year-old actor’s video—recorded as part of a civic campaign in compliance with a High Court mandate—appealed to citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly, firecracker-free Diwali to curb severe air pollution. However, the BMC selectively deleted Mirza’s video from its social media handles following public objections raised by Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam and rhetoric from Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
High Court Reprimands “Petty Mindset” and Loose Comments
Taking suo motu cognizance of the deletion controversy, a division bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale admonished public representatives for giving a communal narrative to a public health initiative:
”We are a secular country. We are really hurt by this. The issue pertains to the environment and every person, irrespective of their religion and caste, is breathing the same air. It is most unfortunate that such a colour was given to a video made to spread awareness about environment and pollution.”
The bench noted that none of the politicians who criticized Mirza had put up videos spreading environmental awareness themselves. Sounding a stern warning to political figures holding public offices, the High Court emphasized that Mumbai’s social harmony ought not to be disrupted by “loose comments”.
Political Criticism and Selective Deletion
The controversy erupted after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected on social media, writing that citizens did not need lessons from Mirza. Supporting the removal, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde claimed the actor was “anti-Hindu” and accused her of taking political stands against government policies. Additionally, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane questioned the selection of celebrities for civic drives.
Despite the civic body removing Mirza’s video within hours, identical eco-friendly Diwali appeals by other public figures—including actor Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, and actor Nishigandha Wad—remained active on the BMC’s official handles.
Overruling the administrative withdrawal, the High Court stated that the Municipal Commissioner’s initial selection of celebrities for public awareness was completely sound and ordered the immediate restoration of the clip.
