(1)Where a dealer is a firm or an association of persons or a Hindu undivided family, and such firm, association or family has discontinued business-(a)the tax payable under this Act, by such firm, association or family up to the date of such discontinuance may be assessed as if no such discontinuance had taken place; and(b)every person who was at the time of such discontinuance a partner of such firm, or a member of such association or family, shall, notwithstanding such discontinuance, be liable jointly and severally for the payment of tax assessed and penalty imposed and payable by such firm, association or family, whether such tax (including any penalty) has been assessed prior to or after such discontinuance, and subject as aforesaid, the provisions of this Act shall, so far as may be, apply as if every such person or partner or member were himself a dealer:Provided that where the partner of a firm liable to pay such tax (including any penalty) dies, the provisions of sub-section (4) shall, so far as may be, apply.
