The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, on 5 August 2026. The Bill is intended to replace the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, bringing the legal framework for banking records in line with the rapid growth of digital banking and electronic record-keeping.
The new legislation provides clearer legal recognition to banking records maintained in electronic form. This is particularly relevant as banks now generate, store, and manage a large portion of their records digitally rather than through traditional paper-based documents.
Under the Bill, electronic banking records such as e-statements, online banking entries, digital transaction records, and other electronic documents can be presented as evidence before courts. The provisions also cover digitally signed records and data maintained on banking servers.
The move is expected to make the process of producing digital banking records before courts and investigative agencies more straightforward. It can be especially useful in cases where important banking information exists only in electronic form and is not available as a traditional physical document.
The legislation also reflects the changing nature of financial transactions. With online banking, digital payments, and electronic record systems becoming a routine part of financial services, the legal framework governing banking evidence needs to keep pace with these developments.
Overall, the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill 2026 seeks to modernise the legal framework for banking records by giving greater clarity to the use of electronic records as evidence. It represents an effort to align banking-related evidence procedures with the realities of today’s digital financial system.
Key Facts
Bill: Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026
Passed by : Lok Sabha| 5 August 2026
Replaces: Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891
Main Objective: Modernising the legal framework for banking records
Electronic Records: E-statements, online entries and digital transaction records
Additional Records: Digital signatures and server data
Key Benefit: Easier presentation of digital banking records as evidence
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