OYO, one of India's leading travel and hotel booking platforms has announced a major change in policy for its partner hotels. The aggregator has barred unmarried couples from checking into its properties. The new rule will initially be applicable only in western city of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. “We are committed to upholding safe and responsible hospitality practices. While respecting personal freedoms, we must also collaborate with local communities and law enforcement to ensure a harmonious operating environment,” Pawas Sharma, Region Head, OYO North India said. The updated guidelines, which will immediately affect OYO's partner hotels in Meerut, require all married couples to provide valid proof of relationship during check-in, including for online bookings. The company also stated that unmarried couples may be denied accommodation, with discretion granted to hotel partners to decline bookings based on local social norms.