The Supreme Court has held that the Speaker, while deciding disqualification petitions under Tenth Schedule, functions as a tribunal and must act impartially, free from political considerations.

Kihoto Hollohan case (1992): SC held Speaker functions as quasi-judicial tribunal while deciding Tenth Schedule petitions; must act impartially, follow natural justice principles (notice, hearing, reasoned order). However, Speaker's political affiliation raises concerns about bias; reforms proposed to transfer power to independent tribunal (e.g., Election Commission or judicial panel).