OYO has updated its policy primarily due to feedback from civil society groups and local residents, particularly in Meerut, urging the company to address the issue of unmarried couples checking into their hotels. This move reflects an alignment with local social norms and sensibilities in certain regions of India. Under the revised policy, all couples, including those with online reservations, must provide valid proof of their relationship at the time of check-in. This applies to both married and unmarried couples in regions where the policy is implemented. OYO has given its partner hotels the discretion to decline bookings for unmarried couples based on their judgment, aiming to cater to local cultural expectations and potentially reduce instances of controversy or legal issues
. This is not a blanket ban but rather an empowerment of individual hotel management to make decisions based on local feedback and norms. The initiative is part of OYO's broader strategy to transform its image from being associated with short-stay and potentially controversial uses to providing a safe and family-friendly environment. This includes efforts like joint seminars with police on safe hospitality practices, blacklisting hotels involved in immoral activities, and actions against unauthorized use of the OYO brand. There has been significant public discussion on social media and news platforms about this policy change, reflecting a broad spectrum of opinions from criticism for imposing moral policing to support for respecting local cultures. This policy update, starting from Meerut, might be expanded to other cities based on further feedback from the ground, indicating OYO's approach to balance business practices with local social dynamics.