Liability of partners

79.    (1)     Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 or any agreement to the contrary, where any firm is liable to pay tax under this Act, the firm and each of the partners of the firm, shall be jointly and severally liable for such payments and accordingly any notice or order under this Act, may be served on any person, who was a partner during the relevant time whether or not the firm has been dissolved and all the provisions of this Act shall apply accordingly.

(2)       Where any such partner retires from the firm, he shall be liable to pay the tax, penalty, sum forfeited and interest remaining unpaid at the time of his retirement and any such amount due up to the date of retirement, though un-assessed on that date.