Section 22(4) in Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Preparation of Plans and Estimates for Works and Mode and Conditions of Contracts) Rules, 1998
(4)In no case shall a tender be accepted at rates other than those specified in the tenders. In cases, where the authority competent to accept the tender considers the rate for certain items are pitched too high in the lowest tender, he may negotiate with the above tenderer with the approval of the next superior authority and secure reasonable rates for those items without higher sanction.
