Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — 1, 2 and 4 only

The Rule of Law is a fundamental principle ensuring that all individuals and institutions, including the State, are accountable under publicly known, equally enforced laws. It emphasizes limitation of governmental powers, equality before law, and protection of civil liberties, while focusing on government's accountability to people rather than people's responsibility to government.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Limitation of powers is a core feature ensuring no authority is above the law and preventing arbitrary exercise of power.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Equality before law (Article 14) is a fundamental principle ensuring all individuals are treated equally regardless of status.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Rule of Law focuses on government's accountability to people and the legal framework, not people's responsibility to government.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Liberty and civil rights are protected under Rule of Law, safeguarding individual freedoms from arbitrary state action.

📝 Short Notes: Rule of Law

• Origin: Concept developed by A.V. Dicey, a British jurist, emphasizing supremacy of law over arbitrary power.
• Key Principles: (i) Supremacy of law over arbitrary power; (ii) Equality before law; (iii) Predominance of legal spirit and protection of rights through ordinary law.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 14 (Equality before law), Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty), Article 32 (Right to Constitutional remedies).
• Application in India: Unlike British Rule of Law, Indian Constitution provides for preventive detention and certain emergency provisions that may temporarily restrict rights.
• Judicial Review: Courts can strike down arbitrary executive and legislative actions, ensuring adherence to Rule of Law.
• Accountability: Government and its officials are accountable to law; no one is above the law including the highest officials.