Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice-Chancellor, National Law School of India University. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
After persistent protest by students, Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice-Chancellor, National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, responded to the students’ grievances and promised changes in infrastructure, administration and suppliers to deliver higher standards of service more consistently in the coming days.
In an email sent to students following a meeting on Thursday (May 14), the Vice-Chancellor confirmed that 18 separate questions had been raised.
Concerns with accommodation
In response to growing concerns about hostel accommodation, the administration said the university’s residential capacity has expanded significantly, from about 530 students in 2020 to 1,693 students in 2026. The email said the addition of bunk beds to hostel rooms was based on room size and resource allocation rather than gender considerations.
The administration has announced that hostel allocations for the 2026–27 academic year will be reassessed as students have flagged a disproportionate impact on gender. “As of May 13, we have suspended the hostel room allocation process and will look into reallocating dormitories and securing new off-campus student residences. Students are encouraged to share their feedback with the Dean of Students within the next week,” the email said.
Lack of water and power failure
The email also sought to reassure students about water shortage complaints. According to the administration, additional maintenance workers have been deployed around the clock, inspections of water storage facilities have increased and backup systems have been strengthened to deal with disruptions caused by power outages.
Security concerns around hostel walls were also addressed in an email by the vice-chancellor, who noted that CCTV cameras, increased patrolling, additional barbed wire and vision-blocking sheeting near the Yamuna hostel were among the measures put in place following earlier student complaints.
The administration promised “swift and meaningful action” in the coming days, including infrastructure improvements and administrative reforms. She also promised more transparency and ongoing communication with students as the university tries to ease tensions on campus.
Suspended activity
In another email sent on Saturday (May 16), the vice-chancellor highlighted the incidents that happened between May 12 and 15 during the student protest. The incidents were flagged as raising serious concerns about campus safety and security and potential outside interference.
The email noted that activists from an outside organization, supported by some members of the student body, entered the campus on May 15; cases of disruption of intra-campus workshops by sloganeering; and police involvement, among others.
“These incidents together have created a situation in which the safety and orderly conduct of collective actions can no longer be guaranteed. We can all agree that the safety and security of the university community and the prevention of external interference and disruption by external actors are common interests at this time,” added the email.
The Vice-Chancellor said that in order to maintain safety and security and a conducive environment for all members of the university community, all other activities on campus are temporarily suspended until further notice. This position will be reviewed at the end of next week. However, the email did not specify what activities would be suspended.
Published – 16 May 2026 23:07 IST
