The Supreme Court on Wednesday told the government that it cannot micromanage the actions taken by state governments to stop stubble burning, and emphasized that the government should use statistical models and adopt scientific methods to curb air pollution in Delhi.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Surya Kant said the court is very concerned about the critical levels of air pollution in Delhi and pointed out that the air quality index continues to be over 300, which is hazardous.