When are demonstration or picketing protected under Article 19(1) (a) of Indian Constitution?

Within certain limits, picketing or demonstration may be regarded as the manifestation of one’s freedom of speech and expression. “Peaceful picketing is free speech. Non violent acts are like words.” Picketing or demonstration is a non violent act of persuasion. In O.K. Ghosh v. E.X. Joseph a disciplinary rule prohibited government servants from participating in any demonstration. The Court held the rule to be invalid. The Court emphasized that the rule could be valid only if it imposed a reasonable restriction in the interests of public order.