Section 54. Liability of partners of firm to pay tax

Notwithstanding any contract to the contrary, where any firm is liable to pay any tax, interest or penalty under this Act, the firm and each of the partners of the firm shall jointly and severally be liable for such payment:

Provided that where any partner retires from the firm, he shall intimate the date of his retirement to the Commissioner by a notice in that behalf in writing and he shall be liable to pay tax, interest or penalty remaining unpaid at the time of his retirement and any tax, interest or penalty due up to the date of his retirement whether assessed or not assessed , on that date:

Provided further that if no such intimation is given within one month from the date of retirement, the liability of such partner under the first proviso shall continue until the date on which such intimation is received by the Commissioner.