Ropar: A legal battle over inter-state tolls is set to escalate as Ropar AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha has issued a formal notice to the Himachal Pradesh Government, questioning the collection of tolls from vehicles registered outside the state on National Highways.
The notice, addressed to the Himachal Chief Secretary, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the National Highways Authority of India, demands the immediate removal of toll barriers operating under the Himachal Pradesh Tolls Act, 1975, and the state’s 2026-27 toll policy.
Chadha argued that National Highways fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Union Government, citing Article 246 of the Constitution. He pointed to a recent Madras High Court ruling, upheld by the Supreme Court in March 2026, which clarified that only the Centre has the authority to levy tolls on National Highways. Despite this, the notice claims Himachal Pradesh continues to collect tolls in violation of established law.
A central point in the notice is the alleged discrimination against vehicles registered outside Himachal Pradesh. Vehicles from the state reportedly travel toll-free, while vehicles from other states, including Punjab, are charged. Chadha contends this breaches Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, and also violates Article 265, which prohibits taxes without proper legal authority.
The issue has sparked political reactions locally. The Sangarsh Committee has urged Punjab to impose a reciprocal entry tax on Himachal-registered vehicles. Committee president Paramjit Singh Pamma noted that a June 2025 resolution passed by the Nangal Municipal Council requesting reciprocal taxation remains pending with the state’s Director of Local Government.
Chadha has given the Himachal Government a seven-day window to comply, warning that failure to act could lead to legal proceedings in the High Court or Supreme Court, including potential contempt actions.
This development adds to the ongoing transport and taxation disputes between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, signaling a likely intensification of legal and political confrontation between the two states.
