New Delhi: Delhi University's St. Stephen's College has cancelled its orientation programme for the freshly admitted students ahead of the start of the new session from Thursday, according to an official statement.

The college cancelled its orientation programme, which was scheduled for 10 am on Wednesday, without stating any reason.

"Please be informed that the orientation programme scheduled for 10 am on August 28 now stands cancelled. Regular classes will begin from August 29. Please be seated in the college hall at 9 am for the morning assembly," said a note from the college principal John Varghese.

It did not specify any reason. When contacted, Sanjay Kumar, the in-charge of admissions, declined to comment on the matter.

The classes of the new batch for students for the academic year 2024-25 is staled to begin from August 29. Induction or orientation programme is a usual activity held to familiarise the newly admitted students with the college policies, officials and environment at large.

The cancellation comes amid the controversy around alleged denial of admission to several students, who have now approached the court.

The college had earlier clarified that admissions were provided to only 5 per cent extra students beyond the sanctioned capacity due to seat constraints.