Lok Sabha passes Bankers’ Books (Evidence) Bill without debate

The Story in Brief

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, replacing the British-era Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, without discussion amid protests and sloganeering by opposition members. Lawmakers refused the chair’s call to debate the measure, and the government accused the opposition of disrupting proceedings. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Congress, Left parties and the Samajwadi Party were against Lord Ram and asked them to apologise, linking the criticism to an opposition skit and to MPs wearing black bands, which he said had saddened the government. The bill, moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, updates evidence rules for contemporary banking by recognising digital and virtual records as admissible in court and expands the definition of ‘bankers’ books’ to include records maintained in physical, digital, virtual, cloud-based or any other form. Protests disrupted Question Hour, forcing an adjournment until 2pm, and the bill was passed by voice vote before the House was adjourned.

The Indian Opinion

Reporting on this proceeding includes strong political claims and emotive language made inside Parliament. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister’s assertion that specific opposition parties were “against Lord Ram” and his call for an apology are notable allegations coming from a government minister; readers should treat them as reported statements rather than independently verified facts. The government’s description of an opposition skit and MPs wearing black bands is its account of events. The core legislative change-the law’s replacement and its technical expansion to recognise physical, digital, virtual and cloud records as admissible evidence-is clear. Where partisan accusations feature, ordinary readers may reasonably seek fuller transcripts or independent corroboration before reaching firm conclusions.

Original article: Lok Sabha approves Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill without debate (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

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