Rajya Sabha passes bill to recognize digital bank records as evidence
The legislation seeks to give electronic banking records legal validity in court while retaining safeguards on their authenticity and integrity.
The Rajya Sabha recently approved the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, paving the way for digital and electronic records from banks to be accepted as evidence in legal matters. This legislation aims to replace the outdated Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, which was crafted for a paper-based banking system and is now outdated in light of India's rapid digitalization.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the bill's importance in modernizing the legal framework to align with contemporary banking practices. Under the new bill, electronic records of bank books, provided they are true copies and free from unauthorized changes, would be considered valid and admissible in court proceedings.
The bill maintains certain safeguards to ensure the integrity and privacy of these records, while also specifying the conditions under which a bank official may be required to produce books or appear as a witness in court.
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