Mumbai: A benchmark index of Indian equities markets rose 52 points in afternoon session, led by good buying in health care, consumer durables and banking stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in the positive at 17,241.98 points, was ruling at 17,266.34 points, up 0.31 percent or 52.64 points from its previous day close at 17,213.70 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 17,282.30 points.

The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was ruling 0.22 percent higher at 5,238.65 points.

The major Sensex gainers were: Bharti Airtel, up 3.93 percent at 319.90; Dr Reddys Lab, up 2.61 percent at 1,689.40, Maruti Suzuki, up 2.24 percent at 1,210.20, and Sun Pharma, up 1.65 percent at 627.

The losers were: Tata Steel, down 3.21 percent at 412; Jindal Steel, down 2.21 percent at 420.95; Infosys, down 1.88 percent at 2,186; TCS, down 1.37 percent at 1,232.55; Gail India, down 0.73 percent at 359.55.