Lok Sabha on Tuesday cleared the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which aims to overhaul the colonial-era Bankers’ Books Evidence Act of 1891 and bring the legal framework governing financial evidence in line with modern, digital banking systems. But today, with “the advancement of technology and growth of digital banking”, bank records are “increasingly created, stored and maintained using contemporary technology.” What the Bill doesThe Bill’s most significant change is its expanded definition of “bankers’ books”. To standardise how these digital records are presented in court, the Bill introduces specific certificate formats and conditions. “Electronic records can be produced directly and will be admissible,” he said, adding that this will reduce the lifespan of such cases.