Hearing and determination of such petition

The Certificate Officer in whose office the original certificate is filed shall hear the petition, take evidence (if necessary) and determine whether the certificate-debtor is liable for the whole or any part of the amount for which the certificate was signed; and may set aside, or modify the certificate accordingly. Provided that, if the Certificate Officer is not the Deputy Commissioner, and considers that the petition involves a bona fide claim of right to property, he shall refer the petition to the Deputy Commissioner for orders; and the Deputy Commissioner, if he is satisfied that a bona fide claim of right to property is involved, shall make an order cancelling the certificate.