After backlash, Lokpal decides to drop controversial tender to buy 7 BMW cars

The decision to cancel the procurement was taken after a resolution of the full bench of the Lokpal, after which a corrigendum was issued by it dated December 16, 2025.

Anti-corruption body Lokpal on January 1 announced that it is cancelling its controversial tender to purchase seven luxury BMW cars together worth around Rs 5 crore, officials said.

The tender was cancelled two months after it was floated following a public backlash, including from opposition parties and civil society activists over the decision to acquire the luxury cars.

The decision to cancel the procurement was taken after a resolution of the full bench of the Lokpal, after which a corrigendum was issued by it dated December 16, 2025.

The Lokpal had, on October 16, 2025, floated a request for proposal seeking bids from reputed agencies for the supply of seven BMW 3 Series 330Li cars.

The procurement was intended to provide a vehicle each for the chairperson and six members of the Lokpal, currently headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar (retd). The Lokpal is headed by a chairperson and can have a maximum of eight members — four each judicial and non-judicial.

The tender had specified BMW 330Li "M Sport" models with "long wheelbase" in white colour for procurement. The on-road price of the proposed cars in New Delhi was estimated at around Rs 5 crore.

The Lokpal's decision had drawn sharp criticism from the opposition parties, who accused the "guardians of integrity" of "chasing luxury over legitimacy".

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, had dubbed the institution "Shauq Pal", while former Niti Aayog Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Kant had demanded that the Lokpal cancel the tender and opt for electric vehicles manufactured in India.

According to the tender document, the selected vendor/firm was required to conduct a comprehensive practical and theoretical training programme for the drivers and other designated staff members of the Lokpal to ensure efficient, safe and optimal operation of the BMW vehicles.

It had also mentioned both classroom sessions and on-road practical sessions, covering "familiarisation with all controls, features and safety systems of the BMW 330Li M Sport", "hands-on operational training, including start-up, parking, and emergency handling" and "understanding of fuel efficiency parameters and driving modes", among others, for the drivers.