Lokpal cancels Rs 5 crore tender to procure luxury BMW cars after public backlash
Lokpal has cancelled a tender it floated 2 months back for acquiring 7 BMW cars. This tender was cancelled after massive public backlash against the anti-corruption body. According to reports, the tender was to acquire 7 BMW 3 Series 330Li vehicles which would be used by the officials of the anti-corruption body. There are currently 7 members in the Lokpal which is 1 short of its sanctioned strength of 8.
New Delhi: Anti-corruption body, Lokpal has cancelled a tender to buy 7 BMW cars worth Rs 5 crore. This tender had been floated just 2 months back and received severe backlash from the public and the opposition parties also. Civil society groups had also flagged the procurement of high-end vehicles by the body tasked with promoting transparency.
Cancellation after resolution passed by full bench of Lokpal: Report
According to a report in PTI, the cancellation was announced following a resolution by the full bench of the Lokpal. On December 16, 2025, the Lokpal also confirmed the cancellation of the tender through a corrigendum.
In October 2025, the anti-corruption body had issued a tender to buy 7 BMW 3 Series 330Li vehicles. The estimated cost of these cars was Rs 5 crore. As of now there are 7 members in the Lokpal and this is 1 short of its sanctioned strength of 8.
The tender document issued in October read, "The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed agencies for the supply of seven BMW 3 series 330Li cars to the Lokpal of India." The tender also made it mandatory to provide trained drivers and other staff members to help operate these vehicles.
Talking about the training mandate, the tender said, "The training shall be conducted for a minimum duration of seven (07) days, to be completed within 15 days from the date of delivery of vehicles. The exact schedule shall be finalised in consultation with the Lokpal of India."
Know all about Lokpal
Lokpal is an anti-corruption body set up to investigate complaints against public officials. THe Prime Minister, ministers and all public servants come under the ambit of the Lokpal powers and it can investigate all of them for misuse of their powers.
The Lokpal acts independently to ensure accountability and fair trial.
The idea of a Lokpal was first proposed in 1963, but for it to actually become a body, it took more than 3 decades. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was passed by Parliament in 2013. It finally came into force in 2014. While Lokpal is a Central body, there are Lokayuktas at the state level whose function is similar, to curb corruption at the state level.