diff --git a/py/webnotes/widgets/form/assign_to.py b/py/webnotes/widgets/form/assign_to.py
index 02e6c2a423..a59df7fee7 100644
--- a/py/webnotes/widgets/form/assign_to.py
+++ b/py/webnotes/widgets/form/assign_to.py
@@ -96,12 +96,13 @@ def remove(args=None):
 def notify_assignment(assigned_by, owner, doc_type, doc_name, action='CLOSE', notify=0):
 	"""
 		Notify assignee that there is a change in assignment
-	"""
-	if assigned_by==webnotes.session['user']:
-		return
-	
+	"""	
 	if not (assigned_by and owner and doc_type and doc_name): return
 
+	# self assignment / closing - no message
+	if assigned_by==owner:
+		return
+
 	from webnotes.boot import get_fullnames
 	user_info = get_fullnames()