Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal reacts after OYO bans check-in for unmarried couples

Anupam Mittal added that he may consider a lottery system wherein couples who matched on the matrimonial platform get a free stay at some of OYO's premium properties.

Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal had a humourous reaction to OYO -- a travel booking major that assured a hassle-free stay for unmarried couples -- introducing guidelines effective this year whereby unmarried couples will no longer be welcome to check-in.

Under the revised policy, all couples will be asked to present valid proof of relationship at the time of check-in, including for bookings made online. OYO has empowered its partner hotels' discretion to decline couple bookings based on their judgment, aligning with local social sensibility, the company said. Reacting to this, Mittal took to X and in a post addressed to OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal, wrote, "Now, Shaadi.com must have a discount for OYO. What say, Ritesh Agarwal?"

Ab toh @ShaadiDotCom par OYO discount code banta hai. Whatsay @riteshagar ?
Anupam Mittal (@AnupamMittal) January 6, 2025

Although Agarwal has not responded to the post yet, responding to comments from other X users, Mittal added that he may consider a lottery system wherein couples who matched on the matrimonial platform get a free stay at some of OYO's premium properties.

The interaction amused social media users.

"It's like they're arranging marriages AND honeymoons now!" commented Jitendar Singh (@jitendarsinghk). "You both should start a honeymoon package," added another X user Parag Mandpe (@ParagMandpe).

Uttar Pradesh civil society groups urge OYO to act against unmarried couples staying together in hotels

OYO recently directed its partner hotels in Meerut to ensure that unmarried couples are no longer welcome to check-in, with immediate effect. Based on ground feedback, the company may expand this to more cities, people familiar with the policy change said.

"OYO has received feedback in the past from civil society groups especially in Meerut urging action to address this issue. Additionally, residents from few other cities have petitioned for disallowing unmarried couples to check-in at OYO hotels," it added.