In India, it is common for hotels, homestays and other lodging establishments to deny rooms to unmarried couples. This practice stems from cultural norms and legal provisions that frown upon premarital romantic relationships and cohabitation.
Cultural Norms in India
Indian society is still largely conservative when it comes to relationships. Premarital sex and live-in relationships are considered taboo by many communities. The dominant cultural narrative propagates that physical intimacy should only happen between legally wedded husbands and wives.
Religious beliefs also reinforce these attitudes. Hindu, Islamic and Christian doctrines in the country prohibit extramarital sex. Preserving a woman’s “honor” before marriage is given utmost importance in patriarchal Indian families. Social ostracization and violence continues to occur against couples seen as violating moral codes.
Thus, hotels allowing unmarried couples may be viewed as promoting “immoral” behavior and face backlash. The risk of reputational damage encourages establishments to play safe by restricting access.
Legal Provisions Related to Unmarried Couples
Certain laws and legal provisions in India are also designed to discourage unmarried cohabitation and influence hotel policies:
- Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code – This makes ‘obscene acts’ in public a criminal offense. Police sometimes harass couples sitting together in parks, hotels etc. under this nebulous provision.
- Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act or ITPA – ITPA is mainly meant to combat prostitution. But it contains provisions against keeping a ‘brothel’. There are instances where hotels allowing unmarried guests have been raided and accused of being brothels.
- State-level police acts – Some states have laws allowing police to detain couples ‘Found in Objectionable Positions’. Kerala’s Police Act of 2011 is a prominent example.
To avoid getting into legal complications, many hotels simply deny rooms to single men and women traveling together. A few states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh etc. previously attempted to officially mandate marital status declaration at hotels before providing accommodation. But the Supreme Court has nullified such directives as unconstitutional.
Verification Issues
Verifying the marital status of guests during check-in is also difficult for hotels. Unmarried couples can easily provide fake marriage certificates or IDs. Instead of scrutinizing documents, it is logistically simpler for establishments to just refuse services.
Societal Attitudes are Slowly Changing
While restrictive policies remain widespread, some shifts in public opinion are occurring in urban areas:
- The younger generation holds relatively progressive views towards dating, live-in relationships, premarital sex etc.
- India’s apex court has passed several judgments upholding privacy and freedom of unmarried couples in recent years.
- Metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru are seeing a mushrooming of ‘couple-friendly’ hotels and serviced apartments catering to unmarried patrons.
But top hotels run by big chains still err on the side of caution. Marriages in India can be very elaborate, expensive affairs. No business wants to lose out on the lucrative market for wedding receptions and ceremonies. Nor do they want violence by radical groups who feel offended.
Change may arrive gradually. But for now status quo continues at most mainstream hotels and lodges when it comes to policies on booking by single men and women.
Policies Followed by Hotels
Most hotels and guest houses in India enforce the following norms while accepting unmarried guests:
- Provide valid photo ID proof at check-in time. This is required even for married couples.
- Unmarried Indian couples generally not allowed to share rooms. Some establishments may make exceptions if an affidavit declaring relationship is produced.
- Foreigners are usually given more leeway compared to Indian nationals. But additional documents like passport copies need to be submitted.
- Properties situated near colleges maintain stricter policies to avoid student couples.
- High-end 5-star hotels may permit unmarried guests after submission of residence proof like rent agreements. But norms vary across brands.
Police verification of local residence is also carried out at times if rooms are provided. These measures are followed to prevent hotels being accused of ‘promoting immoral activities’. Hotels also reserve right to discontinue service if any ‘unauthorized activities are detected during the stay. Overall, consenting adult couples face difficulties finding accommodation due to social taboos and legal hassles.
Views of Hotel Associations
Industry associations of hotels, travel agents, tour operators etc. have argued against blanket bans on unmarried couples. Some key points highlighted by them are:
- Policies are outdated in 21st century India and prevent couples from getting rooms even for legitimate stays.
- Bans hurt tourism revenue. Foreign tourists face inconvenience andSpread annoyance on travel forums/sites about the conservative rules.
- Law only prohibits letting out rooms for prostitution. Associations have asked for clear guidelines distinguishing couples seeking privacy vs. sex workers.
- Joint room booking by company colleagues of opposite gender also gets blocked due to overzealous rules.
- Court rulings have established privacy as a fundamental right. Adults can exercise personal liberty regarding relationships.
However, hotels counter that policies are not based on backward mindsets. Safety of guests and staff from external attacks is a key criteria. Properties have been vandalized in the past by radical groups for alleged “immorality”. Recent Supreme Court judgements decriminalizing gay sex and adultery have also sparked violence. So prudence demands not taking risks with local sensitivities. Change can only occur gradually as attitudes evolve. Associations have not yet succeeded in fundamentally altering industry policies on the issue.
Notable Examples of Controversies
Some recent incidents illustrate how hotels allowing unmarried couples can lead to dramatic consequences:
- Bengaluru, 2021 – A mob claiming links to right-wing groups attacked a hotel on New Year’s Eve for hosting a party that allegedly involved drugs and a “rave”. 8 people were arrested. The hotel faced severe damage.
- Kerala, 2018 – A hotel was vandalized by members of a ‘voluntary disciples forum’ for providing a room to an inter-faith unmarried couple. The couple had obtained necessary court orders.
- Chandigarh, 2015 – A hotel was charged under ITPA after police raided the property and detained a couple staying together. Later High Court ruled that hotels can permit unmarried guests.
In addition to physical violence, establishments also face threats of legal suits or loss of operating licenses if unofficial vigilante groups file complaints. So most opt for playing safe.
Progressive Options Available
While mainstream hotels avoid controversy, there are some alternative options available:
- Boutique hotels – Smaller niche hotels in big cities often serve unmarried couples without fuss. Privacy is ensured.
- Homestays – Officially approved homestays take in foreign couples. Locals may face more verification.
- OYO, Airbnb – Budget hotel chains and rental accommodation services offer greater flexibility. But local restrictions apply.
- Serviced apartments – Opting for separate apartments rather than hotel rooms provides more leeway in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru.
However availability of couple-friendly options remains low overall currently. The situation is slowly changing. But traditional mindsets and moral policing still hold strong influence in 21st century India.
Conclusion
Denying hotel rooms to consenting unmarried couples exemplifies the conservative sexual morality dominating modern India. Intimacy before marriage is taboo, with premarital sex and cohabitation considered ‘immoral vices’ by authorities. While the younger generation demands greater accommodations for personal liberty, traditional socio-religious norms still wield much influence. Establishments err on the side of caution to avoid backlash. Progressive couple policies remain exceptions rather than norm in the lodging industry. Until radical attitudes diminish substantially, status quo is likely to prevail in the foreseeable future.