Section 86(3)(c) in Punjab Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads Finance, Budget and Accounts Rules, 2014
(c)when the stores having the same specification are easily available in the open market at the rates lower than those of the suppliers and contract rates indicated by the Government, the quotations should be invited and stores should be purchased from the open market, ordinarily from the lowest tenderers. Reasons for purchase of store from the open market under this rule should be recorded in writing and where the lowest tender/quotation is not accepted, full explanation should be given in writing which should be available to audit while auditing the accounts: