03 November,2026 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday downplayed the controversy over actor Dia Mirza's video for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) eco-friendly Diwali campaign, saying the issue was not significant enough to warrant attention at his level.
His remarks came after the Bombay High Court expressed "deep pain and displeasure" over the removal of Mirza's video and directed the civic body to re-upload the clip.
Fadnavis said he was unaware of any reprimand by the court and maintained that the video had been removed at the BMC's discretion.
Responding to a question on the High Court's order, Fadnavis said the matter had not reached the court, questioning the premise that the civic body had been reprimanded.
"I don't know whether the High Court reprimanded anyone or expressed any opinion, because this matter did not even go to the High Court. So, where is the question of a reprimand? The video was deleted at the BMC's discretion. When managing any social media handle, the decision about what to retain and what to remove rests with the person managing it. They took that decision. Dia Mirza may be a well-known actress, but she is not a major national leader. I don't think this is an issue at our level. You should ask us about issues concerning our level, rather than matters of lesser importance," he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale criticised the objections raised against Mirza's video, describing the controversy as an example of a "petty mindset".
The Bombay High Court said it was unfortunate that a campaign intended to spread awareness about the environment and air and noise pollution had been drawn into an unnecessary dispute.
The bench also said the BMC commissioner had been correct in selecting celebrities to promote environmental awareness.
The High Court directed the civic body to re-upload Mirza's video, which was removed on Monday following objections from some BJP leaders and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
It cautioned those who had objected to the clip, emphasising the need to respect every individual irrespective of religion, caste or 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.
The bench observed that Mumbai's social fabric depended on a shared sense of belonging and warned against comments that could disturb that unity.
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.
The court also criticised the BMC for removing Mirza's video after the controversy, saying such action was not expected from people holding public posts.
The civic body's campaign sought to promote an eco-friendly and firecracker-free Diwali while raising awareness about air and noise pollution.
(With inputs from PTI)
