Integrity or indulgence? Lokpal’s BMW move questioned

The anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal has floated a tender to purchase seven luxury BMW cars worth nearly ₹5 crore, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders who described the move as a bitter irony. In a country where the Lokpal was created to uphold integrity and fight corruption, the decision has raised questions about whether the institution is prioritizing luxury over its core mandate.

The tender, issued on October 16, seeks seven BMW 3 Series 330Li (M Sport, long wheelbase, white) cars, each priced at approximately ₹69.5 lakh on-road in Delhi. The vehicles are intended for Chairperson Justice A. M. Khanwilkar (retd) and six other members, out of a sanctioned strength of eight. The vendor is also required to provide a seven-day training programme for drivers, covering all vehicle features, emergency handling, and 50-100 km of on-road practice, at its own cost. The bid submission deadline is November 6, with delivery expected within 30 days.

However critics say the move highlights a disconnect between priorities and performance. The Lokpal has received 8,703 complaints since its formation, but only 24 probes have been conducted and six prosecutions sanctioned, reflecting a limited and underwhelming performance for an institution designed to be India’s top anti-corruption body. Complaints have involved members from all major political parties, including BJP MPs like Nishikant Dubey and Congress MPs such as Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, though most investigations remain ongoing or preliminary.

The Lokpal functions through a structured process: citizens file complaints, which are screened for jurisdiction, investigated either directly or via the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and, if evidence is found, prosecution sanctions are granted. Special provisions exist for complaints against the Prime Minister, requiring approval by a committee of senior officials, and whistleblower protections safeguard complainants. The Lokpal is also mandated to report annually to Parliament on its activities, ensuring transparency.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, under which these institutions were established, was enacted to combat corruption at both central and state levels. The Lokpal has jurisdiction over central government officials, including ministers, MPs, and bureaucrats, while Lokayuktas operate at the state level to address corruption among state officials. The Acts were designed to provide a legal mechanism for citizens to report corruption, ensure accountability, and promote integrity in public life.

However, between 2014 and 2019, the Lokpal remained largely non-functional because no Leader of Opposition (LoP) could be recognized, a requirement for forming the selection committee. Eventually, in March 2019, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose was appointed the first Chairperson, followed by eight judicial and non-judicial members. After Justice Ghose retired in May 2022, Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty served as Acting Chairperson until February 2024, after which Justice A. M. Khanwilkar took charge.

Financially, the BMW purchase has been criticized as extravagant. With an annual budget of ₹44.32 crore, the seven cars account for around 10% of total funds, raising questions about the morality of such expenditure. Critics argue that in a country struggling with corruption, an institution meant to symbolize honesty should prioritize accountability and efficiency over luxury, especially given its limited performance since becoming operational.

Irony aside, the Lokpal is reportedly buying seven BMWs to ‘boost Make in India’. With the budget they have, they could have bought 12 crore Rolls-Royces, but they settled for ₹70 lakh BMWs instead, proving just how ‘grounded’ and humble they are.