A Cut Motion will be allowed in Lok Sabha only if these rules are followed.
1. Must relate to one demand only
Meaning:
MP must talk about only one ministry demand.
✅ Allowed example
“Reduce Railway demand by ₹100”
❌ Not allowed
“Reduce Railway and Defence demands”
2. Must be clear and not defamatory
Meaning:
No abusive or insulting language.
✅ Allowed
“Railway funds are poorly allocated”
❌ Not allowed
“Railway minister is corrupt”
3. Must relate to one specific matter
Meaning:
One clear issue only.
✅ Allowed
“Rural railway stations neglected”
❌ Not allowed
“Railways are bad in many ways everywhere”
4. Must not propose law change
Meaning:
Cut motion cannot suggest changing laws.
✅ Allowed
“Reduce railway admin expenses”
❌ Not allowed
“Amend Railway Act through this motion”
(Law change requires separate bill)
5. Must concern Union Government
Meaning:
Only central govt subjects allowed.
✅ Allowed
“Railway project delay”
❌ Not allowed
“State road conditions bad”
(Roads often state subject)
6. Must not relate to charged expenditure
Meaning:
Cannot cut items like:
-
President salary
-
Judges salary
-
CAG
-
Debt
✅ Allowed
“Reduce Agriculture ministry demand”
❌ Not allowed
“Reduce Supreme Court judges salary”
(Charged expenditure cannot be voted)
7. Must not relate to matter in court
Meaning:
If issue is under trial → cannot discuss.
✅ Allowed
“Railway budget allocation unfair”
❌ Not allowed
“Railway accident compensation case in court”
8. Must not raise privilege issue
Meaning:
Cannot accuse govt of violating MP rights.
That is separate procedure (privilege motion).
✅ Allowed
“Railway spending inefficient”
❌ Not allowed
“Minister insulted Parliament”
Easy Memory Trick
Cut motion must be:
-
One demand
-
Polite
-
Specific
-
No law change
-
Union subject
-
Not charged
-
Not court case
-
Not privilege
Ultra-Simple Meaning
Cut Motion allowed only if:
👉 about one ministry
👉 one issue
👉 proper language
👉 normal budget matter