Hearing and determining 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.