Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 to Come Into Force from 1 October, Replacing the 1891 Law

13 September 2026National

The Centre has notified 1 October 2026 as the date from which the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 takes effect, retiring the colonial-era Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891. The commencement notification is dated 10 September 2026; the Act received Presidential assent on 13 August 2026. It is technology-neutral, recognising banking records held in physical, electronic, digital, virtual and cloud-based forms, and standardises certification through manual, digital or electronic signatures. It defines 'special cause' for the first time, narrowing when courts may summon bank officers, and empowers the Centre to extend the framework to other financial-sector entities by notification.

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Under Article 111 of the Constitution, a Bill becomes an Act only after the President's assent | The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 was replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 | A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, under Article 110

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