Assertion (A) : If a dangerous thing is brought on one's land, its use is non - natural and if it escapes, the person can plead lack of 'mens rea' as a plea. Reason (R) : The rule of strict liability cannot be applied to every such situation.

The rule of strict liability (Rylands v Fletcher) applies when a non-natural use of land causes dangerous things to escape. The person bringing dangerous things cannot plead lack of mens rea as defense - strict liability means liability without fault. The Reason correctly states that strict liability doesn't apply to every situation, but the Assertion is wrong because mens rea is irrelevant in strict liability cases.