A matrimonial dispute before the Supreme Court saw tempers rising between husband and wife, who argued through their counsel before justices Kurian Joseph and Rohinton Nariman but which resulted in a sudden spark of mirth with an apt observation from Justice Joseph.

The wife alleged that her husband, who works at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was not paying anything for maintenance, with the result that she had to take the entire responsibility of looking after her four children, whether the husband was posted abroad or in India. The husband's lawyer disagreed, arguing that her husband was only an MEA clerk and not on a high salary.

Taking stock of the dispute, Justice Joseph then quipped: "Maybe, he [the husband] has to focus more on internal affairs."

The impromptu remark from the bench instantly relieved the tension in the courtroom, that had been mounting amidst rival contentions of the lawyers representing the husband and wife, and led to instant laughter from everyone.