Sotheby’s in Hong Kong has postponed a scheduled auction of jewels linked to Buddha’s remains, following strong objections and a demand for its cancellation from the Indian government.

The auction house said the jewels being sold were found buried with the body parts of the historical Buddha in containers in northern India in 1898. They said the jewels were dated to around 240-200 BC.

However, India’s Ministry of Culture announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that it had served a legal notice on Sotheby’s Hong Kong, insisting on the immediate cessation of the sale and alleging that the auction contravened “Indian laws, international norms, and UN conventions.”

In a letter sent to Sotheby's Hong Kong on Monday and shared on Facebook, the group stated that the auction includes sacred Buddhist items that are a crucial part of the religious and cultural heritage of India and Buddhists worldwide. It asked for the items to be returned to the Indian government and for Sotheby's and Chris Peppé to apologize publicly.

Peppé is a great-grandson of British William Peppé, who unearthed the relics.

The Indian government sent a warning letter, saying that if they didn't follow the rules, there would be legal action and public campaigns to show how the auction house was helping to continue colonial injustice and taking part in the wrong sale of religious items.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sotheby's announced the deferral, acknowledging the concerns brought forward by the Indian government and stating the decision was made in accord with the consignors.

This will facilitate discussions between the parties, and we anticipate sharing any updates as deemed appropriate.

Certain webpages on Sotheby's website pertaining to the auction had become inaccessible by Wednesday.

The Indian Ministry of Culture announced on Facebook on Wednesday its satisfaction at the postponement of the auction following its involvement.