This problem requires deductive reasoning to determine the seating arrangement based on given constraints.

Step 1: Identify Fixed Positions

We know the car has 5 seats: 2 in front and 3 in the back.

• Risha is driving, so she occupies one front seat.
• Let's denote the front seats as F1 (Driver) and F2. Risha is in F1.
• The back seats are BW1 (Window), BM (Middle), and BW2 (Window).

Step 2: Analyze Palak's Constraint

Palak wants to sit in a back window seat. This means Palak can be in either BW1 or BW2.

Step 3: Analyze Tisha's Constraint

Tisha wants to sit next to Palak.

• If Palak is in BW1, the only seat next to her in the back is BM. Tisha must sit in BM.
• If Palak is in BW2, the only seat next to her in the back is BM. Tisha must sit in BM.

Therefore, regardless of Palak's specific window choice, Tisha must sit in the back middle seat (BM).

Step 4: Analyze Karol's Constraint

Karol hates Tisha and will not sit with her. Since Tisha is in the back middle seat (BM), the seats adjacent to her are the back window seats (BW1 and BW2).

Karol cannot sit in BW1 or BW2 because they are adjacent to Tisha's seat (BM).

Step 5: Determine Karol's Position

The available seats are the remaining front seat (F2) and the two back window seats (BW1, BW2).

Since Karol cannot sit in BW1 or BW2 (due to Tisha), Karol must sit in the only remaining option: the front seat (F2).

Step 6: Identify Who Sits Next to the Driver

The driver is Risha (F1). The seat next to the driver is F2.

We deduced that Karol sits in F2.

Therefore, Karol is sitting next to the driver.

The remaining person, Saloni, must occupy the back seat not taken by Palak or Tisha (either BW1 or BW2).

Final arrangement possibilities:

• Risha (F1), Karol (F2), Palak (BW1), Tisha (BM), Saloni (BW2)
• Risha (F1), Karol (F2), Saloni (BW1), Tisha (BM), Palak (BW2)

In both cases, Karol is next to Risha.