CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Bombay High Court unhappy with BMC, suggests restoring Dia Mirza video
Mumbai. The Bombay High Court has expressed displeasure at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) action in removing a video made by actress Dia Mirza to spread awareness about pollution caused by firecrackers during Diwali. Describing the step as troubling, the court suggested that the video be restored. The court said an awareness campaign linked to the environment and public health should not be made the subject of unnecessary controversy.
Questions raised over removal of video: During the hearing, a bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale said India is a secular country and the impact of pollution is not limited to any one community. Clean air and a better environment are the need of all citizens. The court also questioned attempts to give such an awareness campaign a communal colour.
Video removed after political objections: BMC had launched a campaign during Diwali to make people aware of air and noise pollution caused by firecrackers. It included videos by several personalities, including Dia Mirza. BJP Mumbai president Amit Satam had objected to Dia Mirza’s video. After this, Mayor Ritu Tawde and minister Nitesh Rane also criticised the actress. As the controversy escalated, BMC removed her video, while other videos from the campaign remained available.
Court stresses transparent approach: The High Court said efforts to spread awareness on issues of public interest such as environmental protection should be viewed from a broad perspective. Suggesting that BMC restore the video, the court stressed that hasty action should be avoided.
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