Statement I : The fundamental rights protect the rights and liberties of the people against encroachment by the legislative and executive wings of the government. Statement II : The fundamental rights guarantee the rights of the citizens.

The correct answer is Option 1. Both statements are true, and Statement II provides the underlying logical basis for Statement I.

Statement I is correct because Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Constitution) act as limitations on the powers of the State. They ensure "a government of laws and not of men" by preventing arbitrary interference by the legislature and executive, making them justiciable under Articles 32 and 226.

Statement II is correct as it defines the essence of these rights: they are guaranteed constitutional protections. This guarantee is precisely why they can effectively protect liberties against state encroachment. Without a constitutional guarantee, the rights would be mere moral precepts and could not legally bind the legislative or executive wings. Therefore, the status of these rights as "guaranteed" (Statement II) explains the mechanism of "protection against encroachment" (Statement I), making Statement II the correct explanation.