'Petty mindset': HC directs BMC to restore Dia Mirza's Diwali video
Mumbai, Nov. 4 -- The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed its "deep pain and displeasure" with the controversy over actor Dia Mirza's video for the BMC's eco-friendly and firecracker-free Diwali campaign and asked the civic body to re-upload her clip.
The removal of Mirza's video was "very unfortunate" and contrary to the "secular spirit" of the country, the high court said on Tuesday.
A division bench of justices GS Kulkarni and Dr Neela Gokhale said no person can be isolated from celebrating a festival and measures for environmental protection must not be given a "communal colour".
"Some stray thought of one or two people" had sparked a controversy but giving "colour to her message is very unfortunate", it added. The bench said it was anguished by the "petty mindset" of certain persons, especially those who are representatives of the common man.
The court's remarks came amid a massive row in the state, after the civic body selectively removed the actor's clip from social media following objections from a BJP leader and mayor Ritu Tawde's comments labelling her as "anti-Hindu". Mirza, however, said efforts to reduce air pollution should be welcomed as it is a matter of public health.
"What's been reported yesterday is very unfortunate. We are deeply pained, especially when it concerns the order passed by the court. There's no question of any knee jerk reaction. We, the people, are concerned. This means everyone of everyone from any caste, creed, or religion, who can bring this sensitisation to the society. Why is this person picked up for raising awareness, is of great displeasure for us. This is possibly not very acceptable", the bench said.
"We have highest respect for all the corporation's functionaries but we are not very pleased with what transpired yesterday. There was no requirement for this," it added.
The BMC had appealed to citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers and celebrate an environment-friendly Diwali following a high court directive amid rising air pollution in the city. As part of the campaign, the civic body roped in several celebrities, including Mirza....
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