Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026

The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, introduced the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to modernize the legal framework regarding evidence from bankers' books to align with digital banking practices.

Key Objectives

• Replace Old Legislation:
  The bill replaces the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, which allowed certified copies of bank records as evidence without originals.
• Adapt to Modern Banking:
  With the rise of technology and digital banking, it's essential to update the legal framework to reflect contemporary practices.

Major Proposals

• Expanded Definition:
  Defines ‘bankers’ books’ to include records in any form - physical, electronic, digital, virtual, cloud-based.
• Standardization:
  Proposes standardized certificate formats and authentication through manual, digital, or electronic signatures.
• Electronic Records:
  Expressly recognizes the admissibility of electronic bank records, allowing their production in physical or electronic form.

Empowering the Central Government

• Extended Applicability:
  The bill allows the central government to extend the legislation to entities operating in the financial sector, under certain conditions.
• Special Cause:
  Defines 'special cause' for compelling bank officers to produce books or appear as witnesses in legal proceedings where the bank is not a party.