'We are a secular country': Bombay HC pulls up BMC over Dia Mirza video row
Expressing displeasure over the controversy surrounding the actor's eco-friendly Diwali message, the court criticised objections to the campaign
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday (November 3) expressed displeasure over the controversy regarding Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) campaign for eco-friendly and firecracker-free campaign involving actor Dia Mirza and instructed the civic body to re-upload the video clip.
Court slams objections to awareness campaign
During the hearing, a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale said that it was anguished by the "petty mindset" of certain persons, especially those who are representatives of the common man.
Describing the development as "most unfortunate", the bench further stated that the video was aimed at spreading awareness about the environment and air and noise pollution, but was given another colour.
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The court agreed with the BMC commissioner’s decision to reach out to celebrities for spreading awareness, stating that it was unfortunate that other unnecessary issues were taken up.
The bench directed the civic body to re-upload the clip of Mirza deleted on Monday (November 2) pursuant to the objections raised by some BJP leaders and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
Bench stresses secular spirit
The court 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.
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“A festival is for everyone to celebrate... No individual can be isolated from celebrating any festival in this country...how can you object to someone's participation just because that person is from some other religion? Aren't we a secular country?” the Bench stated orally, as quoted by Live Law.
"There has to be a secular spirit, and the Constitution expects citizens to foster the same. If the clip was taken down, then it would be ideal that the same should be re-uploaded," the court said.
‘Mumbai's sense of togetherness must be protected’
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 added.
"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 agency inputs)