The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 via a voice vote on August 5, 2026, repealing and replacing the colonial-era Bankers' Books Evidence Act of 1891. The new legislation redefines 'bankers' books' to include physical, electronic, digital, virtual, and cloud-based records — aligning the law with contemporary digital banking practices. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had introduced the Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 3, 2026. The reform is primarily evidentiary — it modernises how banking records are produced in courts, protects banks from unnecessary proceedings, and ensures better-targeted judicial oversight.
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Lok Sabha Passes Bankers' Books Evidence Bill 2026 — Replaces 135-Year-Old Colonial Act; Includes Digital Banking Records
Key Points
- The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 via a voice vote on August 5, 2026, repealing and replacing the colonial-era Bankers' Books Evidence Act of 1891
- The new legislation redefines 'bankers' books' to include physical, electronic, digital, virtual, and cloud-based records — aligning the law with contemporary digital banking practices
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had introduced the Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 3, 2026
- The reform is primarily evidentiary — it modernises how banking records are produced in courts, protects banks from unnecessary proceedings, and ensures better-targeted judicial oversight
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• Bankers' Books Evidence Bill 2026: Lok Sabha passes August 5; replaces Bankers' Books Evidence Act 1891 • Redefines 'bankers' books': physical + electronic + digital + virtual + cloud-based records • Introduced by: FM Nirmala Sitharaman (Lok Sabha, August 3, 2026); evidentiary reform • Parliament Monsoon Session 2026: July 20 – August 13; key bills: SC Judges, Bankers' Books, etc.
