New Delhi: Asserting that there was nothing wrong in the words "Hindu, Hinduism and hindutva" and that he was proud to be a "Hindu", former chief justice of India (CJI) J S Verma, however, said he regretted that his judgement on Hinduism is being "misconstructed and misused" by the present day politicians.

"The politicians who are practising or using 'hindutva' to their advantage are misconstructing and misusing it (judgement). They have not fully appreciated the abstract of the judgement," Verma, who was participating in Karan Thapar's "Court Martial" programme for 'Sab TV' to be telecast on February 6, said.

"As far as I am personally concerned, I see nothing wrong in the words – Hindu, Hinduism and 'hindutva' – provided it is not used for a particular purpose or motivated because I am also a Hindu and proud to be one as Vivekananda said it is something, which not merely teaches tolerance but also universal acceptance," Verma, who in his judgement as CJI has described Hinduism as a "way of life", said.

"In fact, my understanding of Hinduism made me do what I did in the Gujarat episode," he said.

Verma, who retired as chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on January 18, 2003, also expressed "disappointment" that enough was not done by the Centre and state government to "make things better" in Gujarat.

"I am disappointed to a considerable extent, as much more should have been done and that is the precise reason why a few days before my retirement, I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister pointing out what remains to be done and the action to be taken fast," Verma said.

He, however, refused to disclose the contents of the letter.

On why he was not making the contents of the letter public, Verma said, "My intention is not to shame anyone but try to see that quality of governance improves."

Asked if there were any pressures of "dinner diplomacy" as reported in the media, from Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to tone down NHRC's criticism of the handling of the Gujarat violence, Verma denied the same. "No. Never was there any pressure from anyone," he said.

However, Verma said one has to keep in mind that the matter has been taken up by the Supreme Court. "I am also anxiously waiting for the Supreme Court to pass an order. I am interacting with the lawyers appearing in the case so that the matter is listed and I hope that happens early," he said.

He also favoured constitution of a National Judicial Commission with the Vice President as its chairman.

The former NHRC chief reiterated that there was a need to amend the Protection of Human Rights Act to make the national human right's body more effective.

PTI