The proposed Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026 seeks to recognise electronic and digital banking records as admissible evidence, modernising India’s legal framework…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026 will create a technology-neutral legal framework for banking records, enabling electronic and digital documents to be recognised as admissible evidence in courts and other legal proceedings.
Replying to a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman said the proposed legislation modernises the legal framework by expanding the definition of bankers’ books to include records maintained in physical, electronic and digital formats.
“The Bill recognises electronic and digital banking records, standardises the certification process and facilitates the admissibility of electronic banking records,” the Finance Minister said.
The proposed law will allow banking records to be authenticated using manual, digital or electronic signatures, while strengthening statutory protections for bank officials in cases where the bank is not directly involved in legal proceedings.
According to Sitharaman, the revised definition of bankers’ books will cover documents maintained in written form as well as records stored electronically, whether on-site or off-site. This includes cloud-based storage, virtual systems, backup facilities and disaster recovery sites, reflecting the growing digital transformation of the banking sector.
The Bill also sets out the legal conditions governing the admissibility, validity and enforceability of electronic banking records as evidence. It includes an enabling provision allowing the Central Government to notify additional requirements as technology and banking practices evolve.
Another key feature of the legislation is the introduction of a uniform certification process for certified copies of bankers’ books, regardless of whether the records are maintained physically or digitally. The government believes this will simplify legal procedures while ensuring consistency in the treatment of banking records across courts and tribunals.
Defending the decision to replace the existing legislation, Sitharaman said Parliament has the constitutional authority under Entry 45 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule to enact and update laws relating to banking.
The proposed legislation is part of the government’s broader effort to align India’s legal and regulatory framework with the country’s rapidly digitising financial ecosystem. As banks increasingly rely on electronic documentation, cloud infrastructure and digital services, the Bill seeks to ensure that the legal treatment of banking records keeps pace with technological advancements while maintaining evidentiary integrity.
