Rajya Sabha Passes Bill To Recognise Digital Bank Records As Evidence

The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, by a voice vote after Opposition members walked out before a detailed discussion could take place.Following multiple adjournments earlier in the day, the House reassembled, and Vice-Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh called upon Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to move that the Bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration.The legislation sought to replace the 135-year-old Bankers' Books Evidence Act of 1891 and align the legal framework governing financial evidence with contemporary digital banking practices.Opposition members continued raising slogans as the Bill was tabled.The Vice-Chairman told Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge that he would be permitted to speak under the rules framed in 1952 if he confined his remarks to the Bill.