Oyo Rooms, one of the most renowned unicorns (a billion-dollar start-up), has reportedly made a major revision to its policy. The company has banned unmarried couples from using its services, starting from the UP city of Meerut.
Oyo Bans Unmarried Couples
The Ritesh Aggarwal-led company has discharged the responsibility of admitting and or rejecting people into their facility depending on the hotel’s volition.
This policy may be implemented across different cities. Some netizens have expressed their view on the matter. Some users on the social media platform Reddit have shared their thoughts on the matter.
Under the Sub-Reddit r/India, under the title ‘Unmarried couples no longer welcome, OYO changes check-in rules’ many expressed their opinions.
One user sardonically said, “This is like cigarette shops not selling cigarettes to college students.”
Another user commented “Like onlyfans banning nsfw content”
Some users deemed this to be bad business and pointed at the apparent flaws in the decision.
One user remarked, “That’s like 75% business for Oyo. Every time I have been to Oyo, all I see are young people who are clearly not married and only there for stuff.”
A Step Backwards?
Another user said, “And thus begins their downfall! I mean it’s already a loss-making venture but this has got to be the final nail in the coffin. Bhai ne shaadi kya kar li, unmarried logo ki policy hi change kar di lol..!”
Another user said, “12 bachhe paide karte waqt kaha jaati local social sensibilities.”
Another user marked this move as regressive and said, “Back to 90s. India going backwards.”
Another user said, “OYO has become shit over time but this “rule” is clear violation of fundamental rights under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and Article 14 (Right to Equality) as it discriminates based on marital status.”
“Local social sensibilities. Lol where are these so-called social sensibilities when children die of hunger, poor dies due to lack of medical attention they need, and 1000 more issues but these local social sensibilities rise up when couples rent out a place.”, added another aggrieved Redditor.
Is This Bad Business?
Other sarcastic commentors and said the following.
“Way to lose your major revenue.”
Another user said, “Bold move, OYO! Turning your USP of ‘freedom and privacy’ into ‘terms and conditions apply.’ Who needs market share when you have sanskaari blessings?”
Another user added, “All the best for filing bankruptcy”
“Perfect time to start a competitor company. Infinite money glitch”, said another one.
Another user said, “They will find other ways , but you’ll lose your Revenue. People are leaving country for privacy, heading to other states, and then you bring these kinda things to motivate them even more. Great, Damn things would have been so crazy if they were listed.”
Oyo’s Image Problem
Previously, Oyo was famous or rather for some, infamous for its couple-friendly nature. In the recent past, the company has tried to change this image of the company, and in 2024, the company even ran ad-campaings, pandering to conservative ‘familiy oriented’ target audiences.
This new step in a policy revision is seen as another step by the company, which has aiming to go public for sometime now.
