(1) The Certifying Authority which has issued a electronic signature Certificate may suspend such electronic signature Certificate,—
(a) on receipt of a request to that effect from—
(i) the subscriber listed in the electronic signature Certificate; or
(ii) any person duly authorized to act on behalf of that subscriber; or
(b) if it is of opinion that the electronic signature Certificate ought to be suspended in the public interest.
(2) A electronic signature Certificate shall not be suspended for a period exceeding fifteen days unless the subscriber has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.
(3) On suspension of a electronic signature Certificate under this section, the Certifying Authority shall communicate the same to the subscriber.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 37
Section 37 governs the suspension of a Digital Signature Certificate by the Certifying Authority, providing for immediate suspension upon the subscriber's request or on the CA's reasonable opinion in the public interest, subject to strict procedural timelines and natural justice safeguards.
If a subscriber suspects that their private key token has been compromised or stolen, immediately submit a formal suspension notice under Section 37; any fraudulent signature applied after receipt of the suspension request is attributable to CA negligence and not the subscriber.