Sensex (BSE sensitive index) declined from the day's high of 3300.44 to 3249.02 but recovered to finish at 3283.97 with a net loss of 19.92 points compared the previous level of 3303.89. The BSE-100 index lost 12.73 points to 1446.17 from the previous level of 1458.90.

Sentiment was depressed during major part of the session owing to the decision of the Congress to vote against the imposition of president's rule in Bihar thus creating fresh political uncertainty. Scrips like PSI Data, Digital Equipment from info-tech group and Reliance and Nocil posted considerable gains during the day. FIIs Tata Tea once again emerged as a front runner at the bourses. Rumours of the government rolling back the 8%excise duty imposed earlier on `packet tea' during the annual budget of 1998, led to a fresh spree of purchases at the counter. Stock today flared up over 5.6 % on the local bourses to close at the day's high of Rs 440.

On the NSE share prices softened further on the last day of the current settlement as operators were squaring up their outstanding positions.The S&P Cnx Nifty fell by 4.20 to 949.65 from the last close of 953.85. The total turnover was Rs 2,073.63 crore. At the exchange, 362 securities advanced, 736 declined and 98 held steady. 93 securities had hit their price bands.