Lok Sabha Passes Bankers' Books Evidence Bill Amid Protests, No Debate
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, by a voice vote without debate, amid continued protests by Opposition members. The Bill seeks to replace the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891, and will make digital and virtual records admissible as evidence in courts. Immediately after the passage, the proceedings were adjourned for the day.
As soon as the House reassembled at 2 p.m. following a morning adjournment, Opposition members resumed sloganeering, ignoring the Chair's appeal to take up a discussion on the Bill. With disruptions continuing, the Bill was put to vote and passed without any deliberation.
The protests have been centered on two key issues: the demand for a government response to police action against students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and elsewhere over the alleged NEET paper leak, and allegations of theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Opposition members have been pressing for discussions on these matters since the Monsoon Session began on July 20.
Responding to the disruptions, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, despite being a good person, had not been able to control his party MPs. He also accused the Congress, the Communist Party and the Samajwadi Party of being against Lord Ram and demanded that they apologise to the nation.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had expressed regret that protesting members had not allowed the Question Hour to function since the session began. He said that raising slogans inside or outside the House is not good for democracy. As the protests continued, he adjourned the House till 2 p.m.
The passage of the Bill without a debate highlights the continuing deadlock in Parliament, with the Opposition demanding accountability on the NEET issue and other grievances, while the government maintains that such protests obstruct legislative business. The new law, once enacted, is expected to modernise banking records and align them with digital banking practices.
