Under what circumstances can I raise a Point of Order, and when will it be disallowed?

Points of Order can only be raised on matters currently before the House when a specific rule or constitutional provision regulating House business is being violated. You must state "On a point of order," wait for the Chair's recognition, specifically cite the rule being violated, and confine your remarks to the procedural issue without substantive elaboration.

Points of Order are disallowed in several specific circumstances: during Question Hour (except in extraordinary cases), during Half-an-Hour Discussions, when the House is not functioning properly, on matters already under the Chairman's consideration, on issues not currently before the House, or when another Point of Order is already being considered.

The procedural objection suspends ongoing proceedings until resolved by the Chair, whose decision is final. The requirement to specify the violated rule prevents vague objections, while the focus on current business prevents raising historical grievances. Remember that Points of Order are meant to correct immediate procedural irregularities, not advance substantive arguments or delay proceedings.

Rule 258(1) states: "Any member may at any time submit a point of order for the decision of the Chairman, but in doing so, shall confine himself to stating the point." The Deputy Chairman's ruling of 29 August 2001 clarified: "Without quoting the rule, you cannot raise a point of order." The Chairman ruled on 13 February 1968: "During the question hour no point of order will be admitted, unless it is very extraordinary," and on 2 August 2006 stated: "When the House is not running then from where does point of order arise."