Shaadi.com founder and Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal humorously engaged with OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the company’s revised check-in policy for unmarried couples. OYO now requires proof of relationship for unmarried couples staying at partner hotels in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Mittal joked about the change in a tweet:
“Ab toh @ShaadiDotCom par ‘OYO’ discount code banta hai. Whatsay @riteshagar? “
Ab toh @ShaadiDotCom par ‘OYO’ discount code banta hai. Whatsay @riteshagar ? 👊🏼
— Anupam Mittal (@AnupamMittal) January 6, 2025
Mittal Agarwal gave a positive responded on this and wrote “Great sugggestion, Anything that encourages having a jeevansathi!.”
Great suggestion @AnupamMittal
Anything that encourages having a jeevansaathi! https://t.co/XgwSyRXguz— Ritesh Agarwal (@riteshagar) January 7, 2025
Social media users were quick to react. One user suggested:
“How about sponsoring the first two nights of the honeymoon for a newly married couple in premium OYO properties matched on @ShaadiDotCom?”
Mittal replied with a witty comment:
“Arre baba… itna toh hum Nahin lete, but we can certainly consider a lottery system and give these out to a few ppl every month @ShaadiDotCom.”
Arre baba .. itna toh hum
Nahin lete but we can certainly consider a lottery system and give these out to a few ppl every month @ShaadiDotCom— Anupam Mittal (@AnupamMittal) January 6, 2025
Another user replied that:
“it’s like they’re arranging marriages AND honeymoons now!”
it’s like they’re arranging marriages AND honeymoons now!
— Jitendar Singh (@jitendarsinghk) January 6, 2025
Policy of OYO Sparks Mixed Reactions
OYO’s updated policy has drawn attention from netizens, who responded with memes, jokes, and criticism. One user humorously commented:
“@ShaadiDotCom and @riteshagar teaming up for the ultimate ‘couples getaway’? Just imagine swiping right on a discount code instead of a partner! Who needs a wedding cake when you can have an OYO stay?”
New Check-In Policy Details
OYO introduced the policy in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, with possible expansion to other areas. Partner hotels now have discretion to decline couple bookings if they fail to present valid proof of their relationship, aligning with local sensitivities.
Previously, OYO ensured couples could check in without restrictions. The revised guidelines follow feedback from civil society groups advocating a ban on unmarried couples at OYO properties. The policy has sparked debate. Supporters applaud OYO’s alignment with cultural norms, while critics argue it infringes on the rights of consenting adults.
