Provided that nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to prevent the backward class of citizens from standing for elections to the non-reserved seats in the panchayats.

Delimitation of constituencies, etc *12. Delimitation of constituencies, etc. –

1. (1) For the purposes of election of members of a panchayat, the Government, after previous publication and hearing objections, shall, by notification, divide the panchayat village and commune panchayat, as the case may be, into territorial constituencies.
2. (2) The Election Commission shall, after previous publication in the prescribed manner, determine the constituencies in which seats if any, are to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and/or for the women.
3. (3) All the electors of a constituency, irrespective of the community or sex, shall be entitled to vote at any election to any seat in that constituency whether reserved or not.