Updated: January 2, 2026

The Lokpal has withdrawn a controversial tender to procure seven luxury BMW cars worth over ₹4 crore, following widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society, records on the government’s e-procurement portal reveal.

Background

On October 16, 2025, the anti-graft ombudsman floated a tender inviting bids for seven BMW 3 Series 330Li cars, intended for the Lokpal chairperson and six members. The proposed purchase sparked immediate backlash, with critics accusing the institution, tasked with rooting out corruption, of “chasing luxury over legitimacy.”

The BMW 330Li LWB cars have a listed price of approximately ₹60.45 lakh each, excluding taxes and registration fees.

Tender Details

The tender specified that the selected vendor would provide comprehensive practical and theoretical training for the drivers and staff, covering:

• Familiarisation with all controls, features, and safety systems of the BMW 330Li M Sport
• Hands-on operational training including startup, parking, and emergency handling
• Understanding fuel efficiency parameters and driving modes

This level of detailed training further added to public criticism, given the ostentatious nature of the vehicles for a body tasked with promoting integrity.

Reactions

• Congress leader Jairam Ramesh mocked the move, calling the institution “Shauq Pal.”
• Former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant urged the Lokpal to cancel the tender and instead consider Indian-made electric vehicles.

Withdrawal

Nearly two months after the tender’s announcement, the e-procurement site now lists the tender as cancelled for “administrative reasons/issues.” Officials indicated that the decision followed a full-bench resolution of the Lokpal on November 27, 2025, with a corrigendum published on December 17.

Context

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, under which the Lokpal operates, came into force on January 16, 2014. The body is headed by a chairperson and can have up to eight members—four judicial and four non-judicial—mandated to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries.

The cancellation comes as a face-saving measure amid public criticism, reinforcing the scrutiny faced by the Lokpal in balancing operational needs with public expectations of frugality and integrity.