Digital evidence parity: seized electronic backups treated as books of account, extending tax search powers into virtual spaces.
Clause 261 defines terms governing Chapter XIV search, seizure and requisition powers, treating material seized to include books of account, documents, digital data storage devices, computer systems and specialised programme backups and directing that such material be construed as books of account. It broadly defines computer system and virtual digital space to include cloud and remote servers, social media, online financial platforms and application platforms. The clause identifies the classes of approving, authorised and competent officers and ties the operative date for search or requisition to the last panchnama entry or the actual receipt of books, documents, computer systems or assets.