Asked about the State's role in the recent imprisonment of journalist Iftikar Gilani, Verma said, "The NHRC had awarded a relief of Rs1 million (Rs10 lakh) to an ISRO scientist who underwent torture after being wrongly framed by investigating agencies. But there was a concluding finding in the case. Gilani's case might fall in the same category, but it is too early to say anything."

Asked about his biggest achievement during his tenure, Verma said, "I don't think I have wasted or lost out on any opportunity to intervene in any issue that required attention."

Expressing concern over instances of judicial delay, Verma, a former chief justice of India, said, "It is a most disturbing issue as delay in justice violates human rights."

Full utilisation of working hours by courts and taking care not to admit frivolous cases, which could delay a deserving case, could partly help in addressing the problem, the NHRC chairman said.

Denying that the Gujarat carnage had disturbed the secular character of the country, Verma said, "I still think most of us are secular in thinking and the media should avoid giving coverage to those who are not."