The MARTENS CLAUSE in international humanitarian law (first introduced 1899 Hague Convention) provides that in cases not covered by specific treaty rules:

1. The MARTENS CLAUSE, named after Fyodor Martens, was first included in the 1899 Hague Convention II preamble. 2. It provides that in cases not covered by specific treaty rules, civilians and combatants remain under the protection of: (i) principles of international law derived from established custom; (ii) principles of humanity; (iii) dictates of public conscience. 3. Re-enacted in 1907 Hague Convention IV, Geneva Conventions 1949, Additional Protocol I 1977 (Article 1(2)). 4. The Clause ensures gaps in IHL are filled by humanitarian principles. 5. Hence option B is correct. _Source: International HR Treaties + Indian Constitutional Jurisprudence — Martens Clause; Hague Convention 1899/1907 preamble; AP I 1977 Article 1(2)_