The recent case of a software engineer created a new kind of record. Prashant S Dhananka, 39 was awarded an unprecedented compensation of Rs 1 crore by the honorable Supreme Court.

Careleness of doctors at at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad left Dhananka handicapped for life. He underwent thoracotomy for removal of a benign tumour in the chest but due to negligence during the operation ten years ago, his spinal chord was damaged as a result he developed paralysis in the lower part of his body.

Dhananka's spirited presentation of his case while being confined to wheelchair since his operation impressed the court. The court agreed that carelessness of doctors spoiled his brilliant future.

A three-member Bench of Justices B N Agrawal, G S Singhvi and H S Bedi said, "We have no other option but to conclude that the attending doctors were seriously remiss in the conduct of the operation and it was on account of this neglect the paraplegia had set in."

Prashant's mother Indira Sheshadri, 64, said, "Fighting the case was a great struggle. We were totally disappointed with the compensation. The hospital made him totally dependent. He cannot even turn on his own."