New Delhi: While hearing the extradition case of a UK-based couple who allegedly murdered their adopted son in Gujarat to claim his life insurance, the high court in London, on Tuesday, criticised India for delaying paperwork.The court was hearing an appeal against the discharge of the couple, Arti Dhir and Kanwal Raijada, by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court.In February 2017, the couple’s adopted son Gopal Sejani (11) and a relative, Harsukhbhai Kardani, were murdered in Maliya in Morbi district of Gujarat. The investigation conducted by the state police had indicated involvement of the couple in the murder.On July 2, 2019, Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot had ruled against the extradition of the couple wanted by the Gujarat police, as the crime amounts to a punishment of life imprisonment as per the Indian Penal Code which is in breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights that states, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”While India had sent an assurance letter last year that it would override the state policy in Gujarat, to avoid violation of the convention, it could reach the court only 45 minutes before the judgment was scheduled to be delivered.On Tuesday, the two-judge HC bench of Lord Justice Dingemans and Justice Spencer criticised the conduct of the Indian government. “One can’t have extradition proceedings derailed by giving materials last minute,” said Justice Dingemans.Edward Fitzgerald, the Queen’s Counsel (QC) representing the couple, submitted that the assurance should have been given by the Gujarat government.To this, Toby Cadman, the Queen’s counsel (QC) representing the government of India said, “It (the assurance) took a number of months, regrettably, I can say. The assurance was provided [to Westminster Magistrates’ Court] the moment CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) received it.”He also said that Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot should have adjourned the case.The court has reserved judgment.