This discussion addresses a situation where a buyer paid a significant advance for land two years ago, only to discover the land has legal issues and belongs to the government. The seller is unable to resolve the problems or return the money, and has also taken additional cash for 'legal expenses'. The buyer is seeking advice on whether to file an FIR for cheating (Section 420), a civil suit for money recovery, or a suit for specific performance of the contract, or a combination of these.