In a landmark ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court awarded ₹3.61 crore (approximately $435,000 USD) to Ashkara Jain, a 15-year-old girl who became permanently disabled due to a road accident in 2011. The court, presided over by Justice Archana Puri, criticized the initial compensation of ₹78.1 lakh (approximately $94,000 USD) as inadequate and emphasized the need for just compensation that reflects the dignity of human life. Ashkara, who suffered severe brain trauma and remains in a persistent vegetative state, requires lifelong care, which the court recognized in its recalculation of future medical expenses and attendant charges. The ruling highlighted that compensation should not be viewed as a mere charity but as a legal entitlement. The court also directed that ₹1 crore be released immediately to her father for ongoing care, while the remaining amount is to be secured for future medical needs. This decision underscores the importance of fair compensation in cases of severe personal injury and the responsibility of insurance companies to uphold this principle.