**New Delhi, August 1, 2024** — The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver a landmark verdict today on the issue of sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The decision will be announced by a seven-member constitutional bench after extensive hearings on the matter.The case, stemming from the State of Punjab vs. Davinder Singh, was originally brought before a five-member bench in 2020. The bench, recognizing the complexity of the issue, subsequently referred it to the larger seven-member Constitution Bench for a more comprehensive review.The central question before the court is whether the Indian Constitution permits the sub-classification of SCs and STs for the purpose of ensuring more equitable distribution of benefits and opportunities. The discussions have been particularly focused on whether such sub-classification could help address disparities within these groups without undermining the constitutional safeguards provided to them.The matter was heard over a span of three days, with the verdict initially scheduled for February 8 but subsequently adjourned. The court’s decision today will have significant implications for affirmative action policies and the implementation of reservation systems in India.