During my trip to Chennai last winter, I had a thorough glimpse into the same and I was informed by a local friend that has become an accepted norm there. Few of the feathers in their "wrong" cap would be gross overcharging, perennially quarrelsome, and the least bit helpful to tourists new to city. Its as if any amount I pay to the rick driver for his service, it still wouldnt repay the enormity of the service he provides, he is the king of the road boss.
I wondered if there should be some government authority to set some formal guidelines to put things in order but I know the moment this thought came to my mind, the pure absurdity and impracticality of this proposition. The autoricks are the King of the road and in the dearth of public transportation for short distances, their bargaining power would only increase manifold.
My only advice to those planning to travel in Chennai without any fixed plans:-
1. get a Bus route map, travel by buses, the co-passengers are far more helpful than these bloated-ego autorick drivers.
2. Travel by the metro or locals
