OYO has introduced a pilot policy in Meerut requiring proof of marriage for couples at check-in, potentially expanding it nationwide based on feedback. This move, aimed at addressing complaints from activists and NGOs, has reignited debates about individual freedoms and privacy.
Key Highlights:
- OYO’s New Policy in Meerut:
- OYO has initiated a pilot policy in Meerut, requiring couples to provide proof of marriage during hotel check-ins.
- The policy grants hotel managers discretion to deny rooms to unmarried couples.
- Legal Context:
- Indian law does not prohibit unmarried couples from staying in hotels. The right to individual liberty (Article 21) and freedom of movement (Article 19) are fundamental rights that protect such actions.
- Judicial precedent: In My Preferred Transformation and Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. vs. District Collector, Coimbatore (2019), the court stated:
- There are no laws or regulations barring unmarried couples of the opposite sex from booking hotel rooms.
- Relationships between consenting adults are not criminal offenses.
- Morality is subjective and cannot be enforced as law.
- Morality vs. Law:
- The debate arises from conflicting views on morality and legality.
- While moral arguments by activists and NGOs oppose accommodating unmarried couples, courts emphasize that morality cannot override individual freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
- Business and Policy Discretion:
- Hotels, being private businesses, can set their policies, including restrictions on guests. OYO’s earlier “couple-friendly” category accommodated such requirements but is now under reconsideration due to external pressures.
- Broader Social Implications:
- The demand for couple-friendly hotels has grown significantly (10x increase from 2013 to 2017).
- Studies show 60% of couples booking such hotels belong to the same city, highlighting urban trends and privacy concerns.
Polity and Constitutional Analysis:
- Article 14 (Equality before Law): Ensures no discrimination against individuals based on their marital status.
- Article 19 (Freedom of Movement): Guarantees freedom to reside and travel freely within India.
- Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty): Protects personal choices, including relationships and living arrangements, as long as they do not violate the law.
Concerns and Criticism:
- Potential Violation of Fundamental Rights:
- Policies mandating proof of marriage could infringe on individual freedoms.
- Moral Policing:
- Critics argue that such policies encourage moral policing, undermining progressive values and urban privacy norms.
UPSC Relevance:
- This topic is relevant for:
- GS Paper II: Constitution, Governance, and Rights.
- Essay: Societal norms vs. constitutional rights.
- Ethics: Balancing law, morality, and business ethics.
Conclusion:
The OYO policy shift reflects societal tensions between traditional morality and modern lifestyles. While the policy is a business decision, it raises broader questions about individual freedoms, constitutional rights, and the role of businesses in shaping societal norms.
Also Read: Rural Poverty Declines to 4.86% in FY24: SBI Report
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