Lok Sabha passes ‘Bankers Books Evidence Bill 2026’:Digital virtual banking records will be considered evidence in court; British-era law will end

The Lok Sabha on August 5, approved the ‘Bankers Books Evidence Bill, 2026’. After this new law comes into effect, digital and virtual banking records will now be considered solid evidence in court. This bill will replace the old law from the British era. Its main objective is to provide legal protection and recognition to the country’s rapidly changing digital banking system. Bill Passed Amid Uproar As soon as the proceedings of the House resumed at 2 PM, opposition MPs continued sloganeering on various issues. Amid heavy uproar and commotion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented this bill before the House for consideration and passage, which was passed by voice vote. Will Replace 135-Year-Old British Law This new bill will replace the Bankers Books Evidence Act, 1891. The old law was from an era when all banking work was done with papers and ledgers. Over time, the banking system has completely changed and now it is the age of core banking, mobile apps, UPI and online transactions. In such a situation, there were legal hurdles in presenting digital data as evidence under the old law. What benefits will common people and banks get? Knowledge Box: What was the 1891 law and why was there a need to change it?