No Ring, No Room? OYO’s New Policy Bans Unmarried Couples from Hotels!

The company, OYO, catered for the years with a safe and judgment-free hospitality offer to couples where they can book with valid ID proof without any doubt about their marital status. However, social groups complained about it, and thus OYO now tightened the policy. Now, with a valid marriage certificate or proof of relationship, couples will have to present themselves at check-in, which is not easy for such getaways and as well privacy is also not being satisfied.
This move will place unmarried couples in a tight spot.For privacy, many of them rely on hotels, particularly in conservative homes where cohabitation is still frowned upon. Because of this approach, many people worry that prejudice and moral policing may expand under the pretence of cultural protection.
Meerut is merely a test site. OYO has stated that this rule may be extended to other Indian cities based on feedback. That might put thousands of couples in a difficult situation where they have to overcome needless obstacles just to make a hotel reservation.
There are, as such, no laws that say unmarried couples cannot book rooms if the couple is both adults above 18 years. However, each hotel can decide its rules and regulations itself, so OYO's new rule is the best example of how corporate decisions influence personal choices.
This regulation has sparked a broader discussion about whether businesses like OYO should respect individual freedom or give in to social pressure. While some support this action as a start in the right direction, others contend it goes too far and encourages moral policing above actual safety concerns.
Unmarried couples now need to reconsider their trip plans in light of OYO's most recent limitation. Some may go to alternate platforms that still support non-discriminatory stays, while others may oppose the ruling. In any case, this represents a dramatic change in the hotel sector in India.