The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately re-upload actor Dia Mirza's public awareness video urging citizens to refrain from bursting firecrackers on public roads during Diwali. The video had originally been posted in compliance with earlier court directions aimed at curbing air pollution — and its removal by the civic body has now drawn sharp judicial censure.

What the Court Said

A division bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale expressed strong displeasure over remarks made by certain political leaders targeting Mirza for participating in the BMC's Diwali awareness campaign. The bench reiterated that India is a secular country and underscored the paramount importance of complying with judicial directions issued in the public interest. The court's tone was unambiguous: political pressure is not a valid ground to withdraw a judicially mandated public health communication.

Why BMC Pulled the Video

The BMC had enlisted Mirza as part of its broader Diwali campaign to sensitise residents of Mumbai about air pollution and the court-imposed restrictions on bursting firecrackers in public spaces. The video was subsequently removed after objections were raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam and BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde. Tawde alleged that Mirza's opposition was selectively directed against Hindutva and those associated with it, and argued that Hindus did not require instruction on how to observe their festivals. She accused the actor of pursuing a targeted agenda.

Dia Mirza's Response

Mirza defended her participation, clarifying that the video was recorded on the directions of the Bombay High Court and was intended solely to raise public awareness about air pollution. 'Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. The video was recorded in the interest of public awareness, with the intention of encouraging a healthier and more mindful celebration. Air pollution is a matter of public health, and every effort towards reducing it is a step towards a better environment for all,' she said on Monday.

Broader Campaign Context

The BMC's Diwali awareness drive featured multiple public figures, including actor Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, all advocating environmentally responsible celebrations. Notably, objections were raised only against Mirza's participation — a selective targeting that the court appears to have taken note of. This is not the first time civic bodies in Maharashtra have faced political pressure to withdraw court-directed public health campaigns; the pattern reflects a recurring tension between judicial public-interest orders and electoral messaging around cultural identity.

What Happens Next

The BMC is now bound to restore the video in compliance with the court's latest direction. Legal observers note that any further removal could expose the civic body to contempt proceedings. The case also sets a precedent on the limits of political interference in court-mandated public health outreach, with implications for how cities across India handle celebrity-fronted awareness campaigns tied to judicial orders.