This Connect provides a brief overview of the judgement of Supreme Court in the case of Nazibul Rahim Khan & Ors. v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Anr., wherein criminal proceedings were quashed which were initiated after a delay of 23 years. The Supreme Court held that although civil and criminal proceedings may be maintainable on the same cause of action, an inordinate and unexplained delay in invoking criminal proceedings may indicate that the proceedings are not bona fide and are being used as a pressure tactic or for harassment.