Liability to deduct tax at source

Hi,

I have a society registered under Societies Registration Act-1860. It carries out activities only for its members and does not carry out any commercial activity. It claims exemption from Income Tax on the basis of Principle of Mutuality.

It arranged some seminar for the members and paid for the rent of conference hall and the food arranged for the deligates. Whether society is liable to deduct the tax at source (threshhold limits have exceeded). Whether it can apply to A.O for granting exempption from liability to deduct the tax?

Please express your views on this issue.