In a majority verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday said states are empowered to make sub-classifications of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for granting quotas inside the reserved category to uplift the more underprivileged castes.

A seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud held by a 6:1 majority that the further sub-classification of SCs and STs by states can be permitted to ensure grant of quota to more backward castes inside these groups.