Justice Served: Rs 62 Lakh Compensation Upheld for Animator's Tragic Saga

The Bombay High Court has upheld a compensation of Rs 62 lakh to the family of Charu Khandal, an animator who tragically passed away after a hit-and-run incident in 2012. Khandal, who worked for Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment, had been paralyzed after the accident, leading to her death five years later in 2017.

The court, led by Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna, ruled on May 9 that fairness in compensation should be a standard, despite the inherent challenges in quantifying life loss. They deemed the initial tribunal's 2020 verdict both legal and just, recognizing the Motor Vehicles Act as vital in defending citizens' rights to live with dignity.

Rejecting Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Co. Ltd's appeal, the court confirmed that Khandal's condition and subsequent death were closely linked to the injuries from the accident. The family's right to compensation was reinforced, dismissing claims that the tribunal erred in associating the quadriplegic condition to her demise.

(With inputs from agencies.)