BMC yet to restore Dia Mirza's Diwali video despite Bombay HC order

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has yet to re-upload actor Dia Mirza's video urging people to avoid firecrackers during Diwali despite a Bombay High Court direction to restore it by Thursday evening.

The civic body removed the video from its social media platforms on Sunday night after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to it. Mayor Ritu Tawde defended the decision and described Mirza as "anti-Hindu".

Expressing "deep pain and displeasure" over the political objections, the High Court on Tuesday directed the BMC to restore the deleted video. It also said the Constitution expects all citizens to foster a secular spirit.

BMC officials told PTI that Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide would take the final decision on re-uploading the video. Bhide has not commented on the matter, while officials said the delay was due to an examination of the court order. They did not provide a clear timeline for restoring the video.

The High Court said it was anguished by the "petty mindset" of certain people, particularly public representatives. It called it "most unfortunate" that a video aimed at raising awareness about the environment and air and noise pollution had been given a different colour.