India's premier anti-corruption institution, the Lokpal, has officially scrapped a controversial plan to acquire seven high-end BMW cars, following intense criticism from political opponents and civil society activists. The decision marks a significant reversal for the body entrusted with investigating corruption among public officials.
Mounting Criticism Forces a U-Turn
The Lokpal had initiated the procurement process on October 16, 2025, by floating a request for proposal to source seven BMW 3 Series 330Li vehicles. These cars were intended for the personal use of the institution's chairperson, retired Supreme Court judge Justice A M Khanwilkar, and its six members. The estimated on-road cost for the fleet in New Delhi was a staggering ₹5 crore.
The proposal immediately sparked a fierce backlash. Critics lambasted the move, arguing that an agency dedicated to promoting integrity and probity in public life was setting a poor example by opting for luxury German automobiles. Opposition leaders charged that the purchase severely undermined the Lokpal's moral authority and was fundamentally at odds with its mandate.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh sarcastically renamed the institution "Shauq Pal", highlighting the perceived extravagance. Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant added his voice to the dissent, publicly urging the Lokpal to cancel the tender and consider Indian-made electric vehicles as a more appropriate alternative.
Details of the Scrapped Luxury Car Plan
According to the original tender documents, the Lokpal had specified seven white BMW 330Li 'M Sport' models with a long wheelbase. The body, which can have a maximum of eight members, currently has a chairperson and six members, all of whom were to receive a vehicle.
The tender also included comprehensive provisions for training drivers and staff. The selected vendor was required to conduct both theoretical and practical sessions covering the car's features, safety systems, operational handling, and even fuel efficiency parameters.
A Reputational Reset for the Anti-Graft Watchdog
The formal decision to withdraw the tender was taken by the full bench of the Lokpal and communicated through a corrigendum issued on December 16, 2025. While the institution has not publicly stated its reasons, officials indicated the step resulted from high-level internal deliberations.
This withdrawal, coming nearly two months after the process began, is widely viewed as a necessary course correction. It is seen as an effort to defuse a damaging controversy and rebuild public confidence in an organization whose credibility hinges entirely on its perceived restraint and integrity. By stepping back from the luxury car purchase, the Lokpal has attempted to align its actions with the principles it is sworn to uphold.
