Bengaluru: Students of National Law School of India University staged an overnight protest on campus after alleging severe water shortages, overcrowding and poor hostel conditions, triggering fresh concerns over student welfare at one of India’s premier law institutions.

The protest reportedly began around 10 pm on May 12 and continued past midnight, with hundreds of students gathering at the university’s basketball court demanding immediate intervention from the administration.

Students accused the university administration of repeatedly ignoring complaints related to basic residential facilities, particularly in hostel blocks.

Students allege poor living conditions

According to protesting students, hostel residents have been facing recurring water shortages, irregular supply and prolonged power cuts for several months.

Students also alleged overcrowding issues, especially in women’s hostels, which they claimed had worsened the living conditions on campus.

The protest was organised after what students described as repeated unsuccessful attempts to get the administration to address their concerns.

Several students reportedly remained at the protest site for over four hours demanding direct engagement from university authorities, including the Vice Chancellor.

Key demands raised during protest

The students outlined multiple demands during the demonstration, including:

  • Restoration of uninterrupted water supply in hostels
  • Immediate steps to reduce overcrowding in residential facilities
  • Faster administrative response to student grievances
  • Direct communication from senior university officials regarding solutions

Students claimed that despite months of complaints, no concrete action had been taken to resolve the issues.

Student Bar Association backs agitation

The Student Bar Association (SBA) of NLSIU publicly extended support to the protest and shared statements on social media highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

In a statement posted online, the association said students were being forced to live in “inhumane conditions” due to the lack of basic amenities.

“We, as the students of NLSIU, stand in solidarity with the students, as there has been a continuing range of residence life issues, particularly concerning the Women’s Hostel,” the statement read.

The association further alleged that water supply had been completely unavailable for several hours on certain days and had remained erratic for an extended period.

“Students are forced to live in inhumane conditions, with concerns being unheard for months, with no concrete measures being undertaken,” the statement added.

Protest to continue until response, students say

Student representatives stated that the protest would continue until the Vice Chancellor met students directly and provided specific assurances regarding corrective measures.

“Despite repeated demands and requests from the students, the Vice Chancellor has not come to address them,” the Student Bar Association stated.

The association also said students were prepared to continue demonstrations until “concrete, student-friendly solutions” were provided.

Administration yet to issue response

As of now, the university administration has not officially responded publicly to the allegations raised by students.

Reports indicate that attempts to contact senior management for comments remained unsuccessful.

The incident has drawn attention on social media, with several students and alumni expressing concern over hostel infrastructure and campus living conditions.

NLSIU Bengaluru is considered one of India’s top law universities and attracts students from across the country.

The ongoing protest has reignited discussions around residential infrastructure, student welfare and administrative accountability in higher educational institutions.