An inter-state legal confrontation is set to intensify as Ropar AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha has served a legal notice to the Himachal Pradesh Government, challenging the imposition of tolls on vehicles registered outside the state on National Highways. The dispute, which has been brewing over allegations of discriminatory taxation, is now poised to enter the judicial arena.The notice has been addressed to the Himachal Chief Secretary, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the National Highways Authority of India, seeking immediate dismantling of toll barriers allegedly operating under the Himachal Pradesh Tolls Act, 1975, and the state’s 2026-27 toll policy.Chadha has argued that National Highways fall strictly under the jurisdiction of the Union Government as per constitutional provisions. He has cited Article 246 of the Constitution of India, asserting that any toll imposed by a state on such highways amounts to encroachment upon Parliament’s exclusive domain.Backing his claims with judicial precedent, the MLA referred to a recent ruling of the Madras High Court, 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 alleges that Himachal Pradesh continues to collect toll, showing what Chadha described as a willful disregard for settled law.A key contention raised in the notice is the alleged discriminatory treatment of vehicles. It claims that Himachal-registered vehicles are exempted, while those from other states, including Punjab, are subjected to toll charges. This, Chadha argues, violates Article 14 of the Constitution of India, as the classification lacks reasonable justification.Further, invoking Article 265 of the Constitution of India, the notice maintains that no tax or fee can be levied without proper legal authority. It contends that the Himachal Pradesh Tolls Act does not extend to National Highways maintained by the Centre, rendering the current toll collection unconstitutional.Meanwhile, the issue has also sparked a local political and public response. Members of a Sangarsh Committee have demanded that Punjab impose a reciprocal entry tax on vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh.Committee president Paramjit Singh Pamma stated that the Nangal Municipal Council had passed a resolution in June 2025 seeking the imposition of such a reciprocal tax. However, he alleged that the state government has failed to act on the proposal, which remains pending with the Director, Local Government.Pamma asserted that only by imposing a reciprocal entry tax would Himachal Pradesh “realise the pain being suffered by Punjab residents” and be compelled to withdraw what he termed as illegal toll barriers.Chadha has given a seven-day ultimatum for compliance, failing which he has warned of initiating legal proceedings before the High Court or the Supreme Court, including the possibility of contempt action.With longstanding issues between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh over transport and taxation already simmering, this latest development signals a deepening confrontation, one that is now firmly headed for legal battle.