No entry for unmarried couples: OYO changes check-in rules

Hospitality chain OYO's new check-in policy restricting unmarried couples from checking into its partner hotels has stirred controversy.

While the policy is not based on legal grounds, as consenting adults cannot be legally stopped from booking a hotel room together or otherwise, OYO, being a private company, has the autonomy to establish its own operational rules for partner properties. This move likely reflects a response to concerns from hotel owners, or other factors influencing the company's decisions, including cultural or market-specific norms.

How this apparently sanskari step will affect the chain's revenue, only time can tell.

It's important to note that while hotels can refuse service for reasons such as bad behaviour or non-compliance with rules, restrictions based on marital status are not supported by Indian law. There are existing judgments by courts affirming that the rights of consenting adults to live together or book a room are protected under the Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.

However, companies like OYO, which operate a franchise-based model, might impose policies that align with local or partner preferences, even though such policies could be contested in court. This highlights an ongoing tension between the company's right to enforce its own rules and the protection of individual rights against discriminatory practices.

OYO's revised check-in policy, which mandates that couples must present valid proof of relationship at the time of check-in, further complicates the issue of individual rights versus corporate discretion. This policy, which applies even to online bookings, places significant emphasis on ensuring that guests can prove their relationship status. By giving partner hotels the discretion to decline couple bookings based on local social sensibilities, OYO is acknowledging the varied cultural norms across different regions.

OYO's directive to its partner hotels in Meerut, requiring couples to provide valid proof of relationship at check-in, signals a significant shift in its operational policies. The company’s decision to implement this change immediately in Meerut suggests that the policy may be a response to specific local concerns or feedback from hotel partners in that region. By indicating that the policy could expand to other cities based on feedback, OYO seems to be adopting a flexible, yet cautious approach.

The expansion would likely depend on how well the policy is received on the ground, and whether it meets the expectations of hotel partners and complies with local regulations.

The feedback OYO has received from civil society groups in Meerut and from residents of other cities reflects the complex interplay between corporate policy, local cultural values, and individual rights. The petitions calling for restrictions on unmarried couples checking into OYO hotels seem to be rooted in local societal norms that may view cohabitation outside of marriage negatively. This pressure from local communities and civil society groups likely played a significant role in influencing OYO's decision to introduce the new check-in policy.

Pawas Sharma, region head, OYO North India, told PTI, "OYO is committed to upholding safe and responsible hospitality practices. While we respect individual freedoms and personal liberty, we also recognise our responsibility to listen to and work with the law enforcement and civil society groups in the micro markets we operate in. We will continue to review this policy and its impact periodically."

In short, while OYO can impose its policy in its hotels, it may face legal challenges, and its approach is likely to be closely scrutinised by regulators, the public, and legal experts.

Additionally, the policy could face public backlash from those advocating for the right to choose where to stay freely, regardless of marital status.

With PTI inputs