GUWAHATI: Hotel booking platform OYO has revised its check-in policies for partner hotels, introducing new guidelines that prohibit unmarried couples from checking in. According to media reports on Sunday, the policy is being implemented initially in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and requires couples making reservations—whether online or offline—to present valid proof of their relationship at check-in.
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Partner hotels have been reportedly granted the authority to accept or decline bookings based on their discretion, taking into account local societal norms, according to a statement from OYO. The move is part of the company's broader strategy to reshape public perceptions and position itself as a brand offering safe and comfortable stays for families, students, business travelers, solo adventurers, and religious tourists.
For now, the policy is reportedly limited to Meerut, but OYO plans to evaluate its implementation and expand it to other cities based on feedback from the ground. The company is also conducting nationwide initiatives to enhance safety standards, such as joint seminars with partner hotels and local law enforcement. As part of this effort, OYO has begun blacklisting hotels accused of engaging in unethical practices and taking action against unauthorized properties misusing its brand name.
A senior official of Oyo talking to GPlus said, "it is not exactly that other than married couples cannot stay in associated hotels in Assam. There are various crime related issues which has to be delt with. It's better to provide hospitality to couples especially if married. In Assam very less incident were unmarried couples booked rooms through Oyo... If required it will be banned in Assam too"
Some residents from other cities have also urged OYO to adopt similar measures to restrict unmarried couples from checking in.
It remains to be seen how other cities adapt this policy as the company plans to introduce this in other cities based on the initial feedback from UP and Meerut.
LEGAL POSITION:
However, there is no law in India that prohibits unmarried couples from staying together or checking into a hotel. Hotels and guest houses can ask for identity proof, but they shouldn't stop unmarried couples from staying. Hotels may cancel bookings if valid ID proof is not provided.
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution protects unmarried couples from hotels that might harass them for being unmarried. Refusing service based on marital status is considered discrimination and is illegal in many countries.
If the police harass an unmarried couple after they provide their identification, the couple can file a complaint with a senior police officer. If the complaint is not resolved, the couple can file a complaint against the police officer in court. If the police ask to speak with the couple's family, the couple can refuse. This is because it is a matter of the couple's right to life under the Constitution.
