Key Facts

• The Indian government has threatened to take legal action against Sotheby's auction house in Hong Kong unless they cancel an auction of jewels connected with Buddha's remains.
• These jewels were discovered more than 100 years ago with the bone fragments of Buddha.
• According to Indian officials, selling these relics goes against both Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions.
• The sale of these jewels has been criticized by several Buddhists and art scholars worldwide.
• William Claxton Peppé, the man who originally excavated the gems in 1898, had been allowed to keep some of the gems, which are now being sold by his great-grandson, Chris Peppé.
• The Indian ministry calls these jewels an important part of India's religious and cultural heritage.
• According to the Indian ministry, Chris Peppé and Sotheby's do not have the right to sell ("alienate or misappropriate") these jewels.
• The Indian officials have demanded a public apology from Sotheby's and Chris Peppé, and want them to disclose records proving ownership of these relics. Failure to meet these demands could lead to legal action in both India and Hong Kong.