Recently, the Gauhati High Court released a notification abolishing the necessity to mention the caste or religion of a litigant in the memo of parties for any petition, suit, or proceeding filed before the Gauhati High Court or the courts under its jurisdiction.

Following the Supreme Court's order dated January 10, 2024, in Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 1957/2023, wherein it directed all courts across the country to cease the practice of including the caste and religion of litigants in petitions and suits, the Gauhati High Court has promptly implemented this directive.

“The existing Filing Form in respect of the Principal Seat and the Outlying Benches of the Gauhati High Court stands modified accordingly and is to be used hereafter at the time of filing of fresh cases. The modified filing form is enclosed with this notification,” the Gauhati High Court notification read.

Additionally, the notification instructs the presiding officers of all other courts and tribunals under the jurisdiction of the Gauhati High Court to incorporate the required modifications in the filing forms of their respective courts and tribunals. Subsequently, the updated forms are to be utilized for the filing of new cases.