India Shia Personal Law Board Takes Action Against Domestic Abuse, Polygamy

According to India Today, the All India Shia Personal Law Board is taking action to counter the growing problem of domestic violence. It will ostracize men who beat their wives and will create a help line for victims.  The Board also expressed concern with polygamy, saying that the dowry that goes to the man's family is the main cause of the practice.  It decided that from now on, the dowry must be in the form of cash in an amount decided well before the wedding, and that the bride's family must  be free to spend the amount on the cost of the wedding ceremony.