As per the case facts, the appellants sought to quash criminal proceedings against them related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy, arguing that the complaint was filed ... years after the alleged transactions. The High Court had refused to quash these proceedings. The question arose whether the criminal proceedings against the appellants for cheating and other offenses should be quashed due to a belated complaint and the lack of prima facie evidence of intent to cheat from the inception, wrongful loss to the complainant, and wrongful gain for the accused. Finally, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order and quashed the FIR and all proceedings, stating that for an offense like cheating, there must be clear initial intent to defraud, and also noted the significant delay in filing the complaint.