Information Technology (Certifying Authorities) Rules, 2000

26. Certificate Lifetime.-

(1) A Digital Signature Certificate,- shall be issued with a designated expiry date; which is suspended shall return to the operational use, if the suspension is withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of section 37 of the Act; shall expire automatically upon reaching the designated expiry date at which time the

(1)Digital Signature Certificate shall be archived; on expiry, shall not be re-used.

(2) The period for which a Digital Signature Certificate has been issued shall not be extended, but a new Digital Signature Certificate may be issued after the expiry of such period.