Important MCQ on Railway Protection Force Act 1957

 

Here is a detailed article on the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Act, 1957 along with relevant MCQs and explanations, useful for competitive exams like RPF, SSC, UPSC, and other law-related tests.

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🛡️ The Railway Protection Force (RPF) Act, 1957 – Explained with MCQs

The RPF Act, 1957 is a central legislation enacted by the Parliament of India to provide for the constitution and regulation of an armed force tasked with protecting railway property and passengers. It grants legal powers, duties, and responsibilities to the Railway Protection Force.

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📜 Key Features of the RPF Act, 1957

1. Establishment of the RPF

• The Act officially constitutes the Railway Protection Force as an armed force of the Union under the Ministry of Railways.

• Applicable across all zones and divisions of Indian Railways.

2. Duties of the RPF (Section 11)

The RPF is primarily responsible for:

• Protecting and safeguarding railway property.

• Removing obstructions in railway premises.

• Apprehending persons involved in theft, vandalism, or unlawful activities.

• Assisting local police in law and order when needed.

3. Powers of Arrest and Search

• The Act allows RPF personnel to arrest without warrant anyone found committing an offence related to railway property.

• They are also authorized to search premises, seize property, and produce offenders before the magistrate.

4. Ranks and Structure

• Officers and members are classified into superior officers and enrolled members.

• Includes ranks like Director General, Inspector General, Commandant, Sub-Inspector, Constable, etc.

5. Legal Immunity (Section 20)

• Officers acting in good faith under the Act enjoy protection from legal proceedings.

6. Punishments and Discipline

• Misuse of authority, dereliction of duty, and misconduct attract disciplinary action as per RPF Rules and Conduct Rules.

7. Relationship with Other Agencies

• While RPF deals with protection of railway property, crimes against passengers and IPC offences are under the jurisdiction of GRP (Government Railway Police).

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❓ Important MCQs on RPF Act, 1957 with Explanation

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1. In which year was the Railway Protection Force Act enacted?

a) 1950
b) 1957
c) 1965
d) 1985

✅ Answer: b) 1957
📝 Explanation: The RPF Act was enacted in 1957 to provide a statutory basis for the functioning of RPF.

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2. Under which ministry does the RPF operate?

a) Ministry of Home Affairs
b) Ministry of Defence
c) Ministry of Law and Justice
d) Ministry of Railways

✅ Answer: d) Ministry of Railways
📝 Explanation: RPF is the only central armed force under the Ministry of Railways, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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3. What is the main responsibility of the RPF under the Act?

a) Investigation of criminal cases
b) Ticket checking
c) Protection of railway property
d) Managing railway finances

✅ Answer: c) Protection of railway property
📝 Explanation: As per Section 11 of the Act, RPF’s core duty is to protect railway property and infrastructure.

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4. Who is the head of the RPF at the national level?

a) Inspector General
b) Additional Director General
c) Director General
d) Deputy Commissioner

✅ Answer: c) Director General
📝 Explanation: The highest rank in the RPF is Director General (DG-RPF).

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5. Under which section can RPF arrest a person without warrant?

a) Section 3
b) Section 14
c) Section 12
d) Section 20

✅ Answer: b) Section 14
📝 Explanation: Section 14 empowers RPF to arrest without warrant for offences related to railway property.

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6. Which of the following is not a duty of the RPF?

a) Protecting railway property
b) Regulating railway fares
c) Removing obstructions
d) Apprehending suspects

✅ Answer: b) Regulating railway fares
📝 Explanation: Fare regulation is a function of the Commercial Department, not the RPF.

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7. RPF personnel enjoy legal immunity under which section?

a) Section 17
b) Section 20
c) Section 5
d) Section 10

✅ Answer: b) Section 20
📝 Explanation: Section 20 provides immunity from legal action for acts done in good faith while performing official duties.

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8. RPF has powers of arrest and prosecution for which type of offence?

a) All IPC crimes
b) Ticketless travel
c) Offences against railway property
d) Civil disputes

✅ Answer: c) Offences against railway property
📝 Explanation: RPF is empowered to act only in relation to theft, damage, or unlawful possession of railway property.

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🧾 Summary Table

Feature	Description
Year of Enactment	1957
Main Role	Protection of railway property
Ministry	Ministry of Railways
Legal Power	Arrest, Search, Seizure
Section 11	Duties
Section 14	Arrest without warrant
Section 20	Legal immunity

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📝 Conclusion

The Railway Protection Force Act, 1957 is a cornerstone law that defines the legal status and responsibilities of the RPF. It empowers RPF personnel to act decisively against threats to railway property while ensuring discipline and accountability.

This knowledge is essential for candidates preparing for RPF constable/SI exams, law entrance tests, and public service commissions.