Lokpal BMW row: Indian ombudsman scraps plan to buy 7 luxury cars after backlash

The anti-corruption body Lokpal has withdrawn its controversial plan to purchase seven luxury cars after wide criticism from political parties and civil society. The procurement, valued at nearly five crore rupees, was meant to provide one vehicle each for the chairperson and six members of the institution.

Decision to withdraw tender

Officials confirmed on Thursday that the Lokpal has scrapped its earlier proposal to buy BMW 3 Series 330Li cars. The cancellation came through a resolution passed by the full bench of the Lokpal, followed by a formal corrigendum dated 16 December 2025. Earlier, on 16 October 2025, the Lokpal had invited bids from reputed automobile dealers for the supply of these vehicles.

Details of the earlier proposal

Under the initial plan, each member, including the chairperson Justice A M Khanwilkar who retired from the Supreme Court, was to receive a BMW 330Li M Sport model. The vehicles were to be in white colour with long wheelbases, and the combined on-road cost was estimated at around five crore rupees. Lokpal can have up to eight members in total, half judicial and half non-judicial.

Criticism from political and public circles

The plan quickly drew outrage from opposition leaders and public interest groups, who accused the body meant to uphold integrity of indulging in extravagance. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh derisively called the institution “Shauq Pal”, questioning its priorities. Former NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Kant also urged cancellation of the luxury car order and suggested that the Lokpal should instead use electric vehicles produced in India.

Training clause in the tender

The official tender documents had also included details of a training component for drivers and staff members. The selected vendor would have been required to organise both classroom and on-road training sessions covering every feature of the BMW cars. The training modules mentioned familiarisation with operating controls, safety systems, starting and parking procedures, emergency handling, as well as fuel efficiency guidelines and various driving modes.

Resolution and significance

The withdrawal of the order marks an attempt by the Lokpal to address public concerns over the optics of using expensive imported cars for official work. The decision, taken unanimously, is being seen as a corrective step to restore credibility and align with the institution’s mandate of ensuring transparency and probity in public service.