India to implement new Bankers' Books Evidence Act on October 1

India's new Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026, is scheduled to come into force on October 1, 2026. The legislation, which received presidential assent last month, replaces the colonial-era Bankers' Books Evidence Act of 1891.

The new law modernizes the legal framework for banking records by adopting a technology-neutral approach. It recognizes records maintained in physical, electronic, digital, virtual, and cloud-based formats as valid evidence in legal proceedings. To ensure security, the Act includes safeguards regarding the authenticity and integrity of these records to prevent tampering.

Key provisions include simplified and standardized certification of banking records through manual, digital, or electronic signatures. The Act also provides clearer guidelines for courts when summoning bank officials in cases where the bank is not a direct party to the proceedings, requiring a “special cause” to be recorded in writing. The central government maintains the authority to extend these provisions to other specified financial sector entities as the economic landscape evolves.