17. Accounts

(1) If the assessing authority is satisfied that the books of account and other documents maintained by an assessee in the normal course of his business are not adequate for verification of the returns submitted by the employer under this Act, it shall be lawful for the assessing authority to direct the employer to maintain the books of account or other documents in such manner as he may in writing direct, and thereupon the assessee shall maintain such books or other documents accordingly.

(2) Where an assessee wilfully fails to maintain the books of accounts or other documents as directed under sub-section (1), the assessing authority may, after giving him a reasonable opportunity of being heard, impose a penalty not exceeding rupees five for each day of delay.