Judgement

P. B. GAJENDRAGADKAR J. : These four appeals arise from four petitions filed against the Income-tax Officer, Nellore Circle, Nellore, respondent 1, in respect of the proceedings taken by him against three firms under S. 34, Income-tax Act (hereinafter called the Act). The firm M/s. Bellapu Audeyya and Chilla Pitchayya was formed on 20-4-1936, and it was dissolved on 31-3-l948. It consisted of two partners, Chilla Pitchayya and Bellapu Audeyya. Chilla Pitchayya had started another firm in the name and style of G. Pitchayya & Co. with another partner R. Subba Rao. This firm was formed on 30-7-1941, and it was dissolved on 31-3-1949. Bellapu Audeyya and Chilla Pitchayya had also formed another firm along with five other partners which carried on its business in the name and style of Prabhat Textiles. This firm was formed on 1-12-1941, and it was dissolved by a decree of the civil Court passed on 22-12-1949, the dissolution having taken effect from 1-1-1949. All the three firms were carrying on business in yarn and cloth and all of them were registered under S. 26A of the Act. It appears that for the purpose of assessing the income of these firms for the years 1943-44 and 1944