Yes, it is completely legal to stay in a hotel with a girlfriend, but only if you both are adults. The best part is that in India, there’s no law stopping unmarried couples from booking a hotel room. This is absolutely legal, and your right to privacy, under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, backs you up on that. Even the Supreme Court of India agrees live-in relationships are legal, so if you’re above 18 and have an ID, you’re pretty much good to go.
Your Rights as an Unmarried Couple
Do you know that actually there is no law that prohibits single individuals from checking into a hotel together? The truth is, no! That may be a regulation of some hotels unto themselves, but it is their rule for their private property, not a legal dictate. So, you can legally stay together apart from any hotel allowing it, if both of you are validly identified and adults.
The right to travel is also a right under the Indian Constitution. All you have to do is check in with ease and stay with your partner. Just make sure to bring along your IDs, such as Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license, when you check in.
- Also Read: What Law Against Dating a Minor in India?
Remember, in incidents of harassment by police or hotel staff, you have the law by your side. They are not allowed to subject you to any kind of harassment or arrest for staying in the same hotel room. If they do so, they can be booked under Section 166 of the IPC, which punishes public servants for breaking the law to cause trouble to people. The offending officer shall be punished with imprisonment, a fine, or both.
But don’t panic. You’re going to be okay, as long as you and your partner are not actually indulging in indecent actions in public. Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code punishes only indecent actions in public. Owing to the simple fact of being in a public place, one doesn’t commit a crime.
Tips for a Pleasant Stay
Planning to book a hotel for an unmarried couple? Opt for a place friendly to lovers. Couple-friendly hotels have no tight policies, so the whole trip is filled with much experience. Online booking might also facilitate the process, where many of these websites list the policies of the hotel, and then simple reservations can be made. Pre-empt the policies of the hotel before booking to save yourself the trouble.
You see, confidence and politeness are the two important things while checking in. Be geared up with your ID, hotels will want to verify your age and identity. You should be aware of your rights in case of a problem with the hotel staff: you can ask for a valid reason for any refusal and report harassment to higher authorities.
Ensuring a safe and pleasant stay goes far beyond simply choosing a suitable hotel. You have to be aware of what is going on around you and avoid activities that might draw some unwanted attention. Always carry the most important documents with you, and it’s also good to have a booking confirmation. It will always be useful if issues arise during a stay.
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