MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday pulled up politicians who objected to actor Dia Mirza's video urging people not to burst firecrackers on public streets, saying it was "most unfortunate" that an environmental awareness campaign was given a communal colour.
A Division Bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale expressed "deep pain and displeasure" over the controversy surrounding the video, made at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) request for its eco-friendly and firecracker-free Diwali campaign.
The clip was taken down from the civic body's social media account following objections from BJP leaders, who labelled Mirza "anti-Hindu".
The court further said the BMC's commissioner was absolutely correct in the selection of celebrities to spread awareness and it was unfortunate that other unnecessary issues were taken up.
The court said it was "disturbed by the stray comments made by some "politicians" and reminded them that "India is a Secular country".
The bench directed the civic body to re-upload the clip of Mirza deleted on Monday pursuant to the objections raised by some BJP leaders and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
It sounded a note of caution to those who raised the objections and said there has to be respect for every person in the community irrespective of their religion, caste and creed.
"There has to be a secular spirit, and the Constitution expects citizens to foster the same. If the clip was taken off, then it would be ideal that the same should be re-uploaded," the court said.
"A city like Mumbai survives on togetherness and a strong feeling of belonging to society, and this ought not be disturbed by any "loose comments", it said.
"We have not seen any politician or any person who made remarks yesterday put up videos spreading awareness. 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," the HC said.
This is not expected from people holding public posts, the court said, adding that the BMC too ought not to have deleted the clip of Mirza after the controversy and asked the civic body to re-upload the actor's video.
(With inputs from PTI)
