Negligence in a sterilisation operation is a crucial issue in a country like India where sterilisation operations form an important part of government programmes. This article seeks to highlight the medico-legal dilemmas that surround this issue, and the legal pronouncements on it. The article also deals with a recent policy initiative - the Family Planning Insurance Scheme - that has been formulated in this regard, its legal implications, and its impact on the medical fraternity as well as on society as a whole.