Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha on Monday, 3 August, seeking to replace a 135-year-old colonial-era law that has governed the production of banking records in Indian courts since 1891. Simultaneously, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh tabled the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, proposing to reconstitute the premier statistics body as a statutory 'body corporate'.

Bankers' Books Evidence Bill: What Changes

The proposed legislation aims to replace the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891, which has remained in force for over 125 years. According to the Bill's statement of objects, it seeks to provide 'for law relating to evidence with respect to bankers' books and to align it with contemporary digital banking practices.'

Crucially, the new framework shifts the emphasis toward better-targeted judicial oversight rather than unrestricted access to banking records. The government's stated intent is to protect banks from unnecessary legal proceedings while preserving legitimate judicial access to banking evidence — a balance that the 19th-century statute was never designed to strike.

Indian Statistical Institute Bill: Key Provisions

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026 proposes to incorporate the institute as a body corporate, strengthening its governance architecture and enabling it to respond to emerging national needs in statistical sciences. Under the Bill, the President of India will serve as the Visitor of the institute.

A Board of Governors will function as ISI's principal policy and executive body, to be headed by a Chairperson drawn from the fields of academia, industry, education, public policy, or statistical sciences. The restructuring is intended to promote academic excellence and research at the institution.

Parliament Proceedings and Opposition Disruptions

The introduction of both Bills took place against a backdrop of persistent disruptions in the Monsoon Session. Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned after Opposition members raised objections over police action against students protesting the NEET paper leak and the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple, preventing the House from taking up the Question Hour.

This is the third week of the Monsoon Session, which has witnessed repeated adjournments and heated exchanges over issues including examination paper leaks, police action during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, and the Ram Mandir donation theft case. Further disruptions are expected as the Centre pushes to advance several pending Bills.

Rajya Sabha and MSME Bill

In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is scheduled to introduce the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for consideration and passage. Finance Minister Sitharaman also presented a statement on Demands for Excess Grants for 2022-23 as part of the day's legislative agenda.

With the government aiming to clear a significant legislative backlog, the coming days will test whether the treasury benches can steer key Bills through a session marked by persistent political turbulence.