Hearing and determining of such petition.

9. 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 or whether he is a wilful defaulter and may set-aside or modify the certificate accordingly. Such certificate with or without modification after decision under this section shall be the final certificate. Explanation: A person can not be said to be wilful defaulter if he fails to pay public demand for reasons beyond his control, that is, force majeure.