According to the democratic principle known as the Rule of Law, which of the following statements is correct?

Introduction / Context:
The Rule of Law is a foundational idea in modern democratic systems, including India and many other countries. It means that law is supreme, not arbitrary power. This question checks if you understand that the law applies equally to everyone, including powerful leaders and government officials, and that no one is above the law.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The concept mentioned is the Rule of Law.
• The options describe different relations between people, leaders, and laws.
• We assume a democratic constitution with written laws and legal procedures.
• The question asks which statement correctly expresses the meaning of the Rule of Law.

Concept / Approach:
The Rule of Law has several key elements: supremacy of law, equality before law, and protection of rights through fair procedures. It rejects the idea that rulers are above the law. Under this principle, both ordinary citizens and high officials must obey the same legal rules and can be held accountable in courts. Laws cannot be set aside simply by majority whims or personal opinions of leaders or judges.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Rule of Law means law is supreme and applies equally to all. Step 2: Examine option A. It clearly states that all people, including leaders and officials, are subject to and accountable under the law, which matches the core idea. Step 3: Examine option B. Saying that only elected leaders are bound by laws is the opposite of the concept, because the Rule of Law covers everyone. Step 4: Examine option C. Allowing a majority to ignore laws destroys equality and legal stability and does not match the Rule of Law. Step 5: Examine option D. Allowing judges to punish without procedure violates due process, which is central to the Rule of Law. Step 6: Therefore, option A is the only statement that correctly reflects the Rule of Law.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider some examples. If a senior minister abuses power, courts can still review and punish that person according to law. Similarly, if a police officer violates rights, he or she can be held liable. This shows that officials are not above the law. Also, even popular majorities cannot simply violate fundamental rights; constitutions and courts act as checks. All these examples show that equal subjection to law is the key feature of the Rule of Law, confirming option A.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B wrongly limits law to leaders and leaves out ordinary people, which would destroy equality before law. Option C suggests that majority opinion can cancel law, which would lead to arbitrary power and is inconsistent with constitutional government. Option D allows punishment without legal procedures, violating due process, fairness, and basic human rights.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes think that if the majority supports a leader, that leader can do anything. The Rule of Law clearly rejects this. Another pitfall is to confuse strong leadership with rule by law, where leaders manipulate legal language to justify arbitrary actions. True Rule of Law requires independent courts, clear procedures, and equal legal protection for all citizens, including minorities and critics of the government.

Final Answer:
The Rule of Law means that all people, including leaders and government officials, are subject to and accountable under the law.