criminal trial vs civil suit India

In Kathyayini vs Sri Sidharth P.S. Reddy & Ors., the Supreme Court reinstated criminal proceedings against two respondents accused of cheating and conspiracy to fraudulently acquire Rs. 33 crore in land compensation from Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation. The appellant, daughter of K.G. Yellappa Reddy, alleged exclusion from family tree and partition deed used to claim compensation without sharing with daughters. The Court held that the presence of a civil dispute does not bar criminal prosecution when prima facie cheating and forgery are established. This landmark ruling reinforces the distinction between civil and criminal liability, especially in family property fraud cases.