Chronology: Romesh Sharma IT evasion case

March 31 2008: Court sentences Romesh Sharma to two years' rigorous imprisonment and slaps a penalty of Rs three lakh on him.

Following is the chronology of events in the Romesh Sharma income tax evasion case:

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September 1993: Income Tax (IT) department sends three show-cause notices to Sharma informing him about Rs four crores outstanding against him.

May 1 1996: H S Siddiqui, Additional Commissioner of IT, registers three complaint cases against Sharma under sections 276-C (2) and 277 of the Income Tax Act.

June 12, 13 1996: IT department sends notice to Sharma seeking an explanation.

October 1996 : IT department raids Sharma's residence and farm houses in Delhi and Gurgaon, seizes Rs 10 lakhs, imported cars, jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh and a helicopter.

November two 1996: IT department asks Sharma to respond to the notices or face legal action.

January 1998: I-T officials arrest Sharma.

June 12 1998: Court grants bail to Sharma.

December 1998: IT department files chargesheet in all three complaint cases against Sharma.

August 13 2001: Court frames charges against Sharma under sections 276- C(2) and 277 of the Income Tax Act.

February 2002: Sharma pleads not guilty, claims trial.

February 2008: Final arguments end.

March 26 2008: Court reserves its verdict.

March 28 2008: Court convicts Sharma for tax evasion and not paying Rs 50 crore dues to IT department.

March 31 2008: Court sentences Romesh Sharma to two years' rigorous imprisonment and slaps a penalty of Rs three lakh on him.