The CPI-M Wednesday came out against the ordinance that seeks to overturn a Supreme Court ruling disqualifying MPs and state legislators if convicted for some crimes.
The Communist Party of India-Marxist accused the UPA government of "repeatedly using the ordinance route" to pass bills and said this was "undemocratic".
"The matter regarding the disqualification of elected members who are convicted should have been discussed in parliament and appropriate steps taken," it said.
The Supreme Court July 10 ruled that an MP or state legislator will stand disqualified immediately if convicted by a court for offences of crimes with punishment of two years or more.
The cabinet-approved ordinance would reportedly allow convicted lawmakers to continue in their position if their appeal is admitted in higher courts within 90 days.