Section 16. Register-books and fire-proof boxes

(1) The 1 State Government shall provide for the office of every registering officer the books necessary for the purposes of this Act. (2) The books so provided shall contain the forms from time to time prescribed by the InspectorGeneral, with the sanction of the 1 State Government, and the pages of such books shall be consecutively numbered in print, and the number of pages in each book shall be certified on the title-page by the officer by whom such books are issued. (3) The 1 State Government shall supply the office of every Registrar with a fire-proof box, and shall in each district make suitable provision for the safe custody of the records connected with the registration of documents in such district. 6 16A. Keeping of books in computer floppies, diskettes, etc.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 16, the books provided under sub-section (1) of that section may also be kept in computer floppies or diskettes or in any other electronic form in the manner and subject to the safeguards as may be prescribed by the Inspector-General with the sanction of the State Government. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time being in force, a copy or extracts from the books kept under sub-section (1) given by the registering officer under his hand and seal shall be deemed to be a copy given under section 57 for the purposes of sub-section (5) of that section.