OYO, a top hotel booking site in India, has introduced a new policy in some cities mandating unmarried couples to submit proof of their relationship at the time of check-in. Not yet rolled out across the country, the policy has already brought about widespread controversy, with people asking what implications it has on privacy, social norms, and the changing role of hotels. The new regulation, in effect in places such as Meerut, has been highlighted for its controversial treatment of hotel bookings, especially among unmarried couples.

The fundamental flaw in this policy is the perpetuation of age-old assumptions about relationships. For most, making a hotel booking is not necessarily a sign of intimacy but a place to unwind or rest. The need to establish a relationship undermines the concept of privacy for unmarried partners, implying that only married couples deserve such protection. This development brings uncomfortable questions regarding how society perceives unmarried relationships and individual space, particularly in a nation where social attitudes are still lagging behind contemporary views of relationships.

The policy has elicited sharp responses, particularly on the web, with folks resorting to memes and mocking satire to decry its presumption. Beneath the humor over the matter is a genuine issue for many individuals who feel a hotel room is a private sphere for anyone who is in any kind of partnership, not just those in customary relationships. There is a perception that OYO's policy unfairly stigmatizes unmarried couples, limiting their right to have a quiet, private moment together. Some people believe that OYO, being a hospitality service provider, should be more concerned with providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone without going into the details of personal relationships.

A reflective viewpoint presented by Minigi Shiva Kumar, Technical Associate at Genpact, illustrates how the mindset of staying in hotels has changed over the years. To most, hotels are just areas where one sleeps after a long travel, and not necessarily an intimate space. Kumar proposes that OYO may be able to fit different types of travelers by providing options for "couple-friendly" stays alongside standard accommodations for tourists who do not desire solitude with a partner. This would allow all of the customers to have their needs met and provide a welcoming environment that is respectful of privacy and individual liberty.

While the argument rages on, the larger issue of what hotels are supposed to do in society lingers. Are hotels merely places to rest, or are they becoming more and more sanctuaries for intimacy? The rollout of this new policy highlights the changing view of what hotels are supposed to offer, and how they respond to evolving social expectations. In the future, it is important that hotels such as OYO rethink the way they can make all their guests feel welcome and respected, regardless of whether they are single, married, or in a relationship. The debate points towards the significance of privacy, inclusivity, and social progress within the hotel sector.