Narendra Modi may have to explain his role in the Gujarat riots to the Nanavati Commission, after all.
 
Last weekend, the Gujarat Chief Minister spent nine hours with a Special Investigating Team (SIT) that's looking into the communal riots in the state in 2002. That team has been appointed by the Supreme Court. (Read: Gujarat riots panel grills Narendra Modi)
 
Now, the Nanavati Commission, which is conducting a parallel inquiry on the riots, says that it may also ask to meet with Modi. This Commission was set up in 2002. Two years ago, the Commission finished the first part of its inquiry. It said there was a "pre-planned conspiracy" that led to the Sabarmati Express being set on fire in Godhra in February, 2002. Fifty-nine people had died. The Nanavati Commission said that there was no evidence to prove Modi's involvement and in September 2009, it ruled that there was no need to summon Modi to explain his role.
 
The Jan Sangarsh Manch (JSM), an NGO representing the 2002 riot victims, challenged this decision in the Gujarat High Court.
 
Earlier this month, the court asked the Commission to explain whether it may summon Modi as it continues its investigation. (Read: Modi's questioning seems satisfactory, says riots' panel chief)

In part two of its assignment, the Nanavati Commission is focusing on the communal riots that followed Godhra. More than a thousand people were killed across the state. (Read: Gujarat riots: What next for Narendra Modi?)
 
The Commission has said that the decision to not call Modi was "tentative" and therefore, "the option to call him remains open."  The matter will next be heard on June 17.

While the Nanawati Commission was set up in 2002 by the Narendra Modi's government, the SIT was appointed by the Supreme Court six years later. The Nanavati Commission's recommendations are not binding, but the material it covers is in the public domain - so if, for example, Modi discusses the Gujarat riots with it, his comments will immediately be available for public access.

In contrast, what Modi told the SIT in his deposition on Saturday will first be disclosed to the Supreme Court when the SIT submits its report. Till then, his comments will remain confidential.