The Godhra Commission, which is looking into the February 27, 2002 Sabarmati Express fire that left over 50 people dead, mostly kar sevaks returning from Ayodhya, has issued a notice to former president K R Narayanan.

Narayanan, who was the President when the incident took place, was widely quoted in the media criticising the then National Democratic Alliance government for its handling of the situation.

The Godhra incident had triggered anti-Muslim riots in large parts of Gujarat leaving over a thousand people dead.

The commission has asked Narayanan whether he would like to depose in the inquiry.

The commission will decide on May 4 whether there is a need to issue a summon to Narayanan.

Complete coverage: The Gujarat riots