(2)If the Assessing Officer, the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals) the Commissioner (Appeals) or the Appellate Tribunal in the course of any proceedings under this Act in respect of any such firm or other association of persons as is referred to in sub-section (1) is satisfied that the firm or association is guilty of any of the acts specified in clause (a) or clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 17, he or it may impose or direct the imposition of a penalty in accordance with the provisions of that section.
