D. Murugesan, J.

All these appeals are admitted on the following substantial questions of law:

"i) Whether the Tribunal is correct in confirming the order imposing penalty under Section 271D o the Act on the facts and in the circumstances of the case?

ii) Whether the Tribunal is correct in concluding that there was reasonable cause for accepting deposits in cash exceeding Rs.20,000/-with reference to the provisions of Section 273B of the Act?

iii) Whether the Tribunal is correct in not considering the scope and the purpose of the provisions of Section 271D of the Act, especially with reference to Sections 269SS and 273B of the Act? And

iv) Whether the Tribunal is correct in rejecting the ground relating to the violation of the principles of natural justice on the facts and in the circumstances of the case?"

2. For the disposal of the appeals, the facts relating to Tax Case (Appeal) No.552 of 2007 is referred.

3. The appellant-firm is one of the firms floated by one Mathivathanan and his wife Smt. Annakalanjiyam from the year 1994 onwards. They and certain other relatives and friends are partners in all the firms. The firm had accepted deposits from the public for the p