Govt Introduces Bankers’ Books Evidence, Indian Statistical Institute Bills In Lok Sabha
Government tables banking and ISI amendment Bills.
The Central government on Monday introduced two significant legislations in the Lok Sabha aimed at modernising India's legal and institutional framework. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, while Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh introduced the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026. The proposed laws seek to update banking evidence provisions for the digital era and strengthen the governance structure of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).
The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, proposes replacing the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891, a colonial-era legislation that has governed the production of banking records in courts for more than 125 years. The new Bill aims to align legal provisions with modern digital banking practices while ensuring continued access to banking evidence for judicial proceedings. It also seeks to protect banks from unnecessary legal processes by introducing a more targeted framework for judicial oversight instead of unrestricted access to banking records.
The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, seeks to incorporate the ISI as a body corporate to enhance its governance, promote academic excellence and strengthen research capabilities. Under the proposed legislation, the President of India will serve as the Visitor of the institute. The Bill also provides for the creation of a Board of Governors as the institute's principal policy and executive body, headed by a chairperson drawn from academia, industry, education, public policy or statistical sciences.
Apart from introducing the two Bills, Finance Minister Sitharaman is also scheduled to present a statement on the Demands for Excess Grants for the financial year 2022-23. However, proceedings in the Lok Sabha were disrupted after Opposition members protested over police action against students demonstrating against the alleged NEET paper leak and the reported theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple. The disruptions forced the adjournment of the House before Question Hour could be taken up.
Parliament resumed its third week of the Monsoon Session with the government planning to introduce several pending Bills for consideration and passage despite continued Opposition protests. In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is expected to introduce the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Monsoon Session has witnessed repeated adjournments over issues such as examination paper leaks, police action against protesters and the Ram Temple donation theft case, with sharp exchanges continuing between the treasury and Opposition benches.
