(ix)Any person discharging any liability to the assessee after receipt of a notice under this sub-section shall be personally liable to the [Assessing Officer or Tax Recovery Officer] [ Substituted by Act 4 of 1988, Section 88, for " Income-tax Officer" (w.e.f. 1.4.1989).] to the extent of his own liability to the assessee so discharged or to the extent of the assessee's liability for any sum due under this Act, whichever is less.