GUWAHATI: In a move that has sparked heated debates about individual freedoms and privacy, OYO has rolled out a policy allowing partner hotels to deny check-ins to unmarried couples in certain Indian cities.
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Starting in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, the new rule mandates couples to provide proof of their relationship at the time of check-in, even for online bookings. According to OYO, this aligns with “local social sensibility” and reflects feedback from the ground.
While the company maintains that the measure is meant to respect cultural values, many have raised concerns about its implications for personal liberties. If expanded to other cities, including Guwahati, the policy could have far-reaching consequences, especially for a city known for its evolving cosmopolitan ethos and openness.
Guwahati, with its growing youth population and tourism industry, is seen as a progressive hub in Northeast India. The city thrives on inclusivity, with young couples, travelers, and professionals frequently opting for OYO’s affordable and accessible accommodations. Introducing such a policy could discourage visitors and tarnish Guwahati’s image as a welcoming destination.
“This feels regressive and out of sync with the city's modern outlook. What Guwahati needs is more openness, not barriers,” shared Santanu, a 25-year-old resident of the city.
India’s judiciary has consistently upheld the right to privacy as a fundamental right. The 2017 landmark judgment by then Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized that “privacy is the constitutional core of human dignity.” Critics argue that OYO’s policy undermines this principle, reducing personal relationships to matters of public scrutiny.
"Demanding proof of a relationship is not just intrusive but sets a dangerous precedent for moral policing," said a young couple from Guwahati who frequently use OYO and similar platforms for short getaways.
Adding to the debate, legal experts point out that no law prohibits unmarried couples from staying in hotels. Ultimately, the discretion lies with hotel managers, but this new policy institutionalizes bias, many argue.
The move could also have a ripple effect on Guwahati’s hospitality industry. A local hotel owner warned of potential backlash, stating, “Restrictive measures like this might drive younger travelers to platforms like Airbnb or boutique hotels, harming OYO’s competitive edge in the market.”
Critics in Guwahati see the policy as pandering to societal prejudices rather than challenging them. They warn that what starts as a restriction on unmarried couples could extend to other demographics, such as LGBTQ+ individuals or interfaith couples.
"Policies like this reinforce harmful stereotypes—that unmarried couples are suspicious or immoral. In reality, hotel stays are often about convenience, not morality," said Tanaya Ghosh, a Guwahati resident currently based in Bengaluru.
While OYO may have intended to address localized feedback, several critics have urged the company to rethink its approach. Sensitivity training for hotel staff and education about customer rights could bridge the gap between respecting cultural norms and protecting individual freedoms.
