Civil liability and criminal culpability can arise simultaneously from the same underlying factual matrix, meaning the mere pendency or favorable outcome of a civil suit between parties does not operate as a legal bar to criminal prosecution where the essential ingredients of a criminal offence are *prima facie* disclosed. Furthermore, civil court adjudications do not record definitive findings on criminal intent, forgery, or cheating, making independent criminal evaluation necessary. (2026 INSC 39 | C S.Prasad vs C.Satyakumar and Others)