Accounts should be audited or not?

In a partnership firm, partners claimed remuneration amd interest on capital for the AY 2017-18.
Turnover is around 30 lakhs.

In 2017-18 did audit mandatory if partners claimed remuneration?

Department send a notice with demand. said that no remuneration is allow without audit. and imposed a demand.

Now please suggest a way to win the case anyway...