The Bombay High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to re-upload actor Dia Mirza’s video urging citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers on public streets during Diwali. The direction came after the video was removed from the civic body’s social media accounts following objections from some political leaders.
A division bench comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale expressed displeasure over the controversy and the remarks made against Mirza. The court said it was “disturbed by the stray comments made by some politicians” and reminded those raising objections that “India is a Secular country.”
The video was recorded by Mirza at the BMC’s request as part of an awareness campaign following the court’s directions on firecrackers and air pollution. The civic body had also roped in other public figures to spread awareness about celebrating Diwali while reducing air and noise pollution.
Bombay HC says environmental issue should not be given a communal angle
During the hearing, the bench questioned the objections to Mirza’s participation in the campaign based on her religion.
“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 judges observed.
The court also noted that Mirza had acted in accordance with its directions and said that the approach of some corporators and politicians was incorrect.
“She acted as per the directions of the court,” the bench said, adding that the issue should not be given “any other angle.”
Justice Gokhale further stressed that the matter was about the environment and public health.
“Everyone is breathing the same air, be it anyone,” she observed, adding, “It’s not that barring firecrackers is taking away your right to celebrate the festival.”
The bench also pointed to …read more
Disclaimer : This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by FilmyFriday. Source:: BollywoodHungama
