Selling pressure on weak global cues forced the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark index Sensex to decline 97.76 points on Tuesday. The 30-scrip index closed at 18,311.59 as compared to Monday's close of 18,409.35.

On the other hand, the broad-based Nifty at the National Stock Exchange fell 38.40 points to shut shop at 5,505.10 points.

Going by the market men, a weak day at almost all the Asian markets ensured higher selling pressure on Indian bourses. European markets also could not provide much rescue as a weak opening in Europe helped the selling pressure gather momentum.

Weak trading was also attributed to global investors cautious approach before expiry of the August series of derivatives on Thursday.

At Bombay Stock Exchange, the market breadth remained fairly negative as 1,740 stock declined, while only 1,184 managed to climb up. 114 remained unchanged.

Sterlite Industries lost almost 3.94 per cent to close at Rs. 152.40 amid news that the government has declined to give mining permission to the company at its project in Lanjigarh, Orissa. Amid others Hindalco Industries declined 3.96 per cent to Rs. 168.45, DLF dropped 2.6 per cent to Rs. 322.25 and Jaiprakash Associates fell 2.07 per cent to Rs. 118.25.