Lokpal Cancels Controversial Order To Purchase 7 Luxury BMW Cars

Lokpal has withdrawn its controversial tender to procure 7 high end luxury BMW cars worth over ₹ 70 lakh each, nearly two months after its proposal led to widespread criticism from opposition parties and

civil society groups.Document uploaded on the website of Lokpal’s website indicates that the tender has been “cancelled”. The tender had been issued to purchase the vehicles to be allocated individually to the chairperson and six members of the Lokpal, currently headed by former SC judge Justice AM Khanwilkar.As per the tender floated October 21, Lokpal wanted these cars delivered at its office in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj Institutional Area within preferably two weeks but not later than 30 days from the date of issuing of the supply order by Lokpal.The Lokpal of India was established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 to inquire and investigate into allegations of corruption against public functionaries who fall within the scope and ambit of the above Act.BMW was also told to provide seven days of 'training' to Lokpal drivers and staff, which will include teaching them about the cars' electronic systems and operations.Sources in Lokpal while reacting to the row had then said “It was a totally unwarranted, needless controversy”.The source had said: “Please see Section 7 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 which deals with the salary, allowances, and other conditions of service for the Lokpal Chairperson and its Members. It specifies that the Chairperson shall receive the same salary and benefits as the Chief Justice of India, while the other Members are entitled to the same as a Judge of the Supreme Court. SC judges have upgraded their cars to BMW 3 series after that this move to upgrade cars of Lokpal Chairperson & members. As of now Lokpal Chairperson has a 'Skoda Superb' as official car while Members have 'Toyota Corolla Altis'”."No it's not any kind of corruption or misconduct...just availing what is provided in the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act”, the source had said.But now the tender stands “cancelled” though no specific reason has been cited.