Lip Print Groove Analysis (Cheiloscopy) Among Individuals in Chennai City: A Forensic Identification Study

: Lip print groove analysis (Cheiloscopy) is a forensic identification technique used to study and classify the grooves (furrows) present on human lips. Similar to fingerprints, lip groove patterns are unique to each individual and remain stable throughout life, making them valuable in forensic identification. This study aimed to systematically collect, classify, and compare lip print groove patterns among 100 individuals (50 males and 50 females) residing in Chennai City, India, using the Suzuki– Tsuchihashi and Renaud classification systems. A descriptive cross-sectional research design with purposive sampling was employed to ensure equal gender representation. Lip print samples were collected using a standardised procedure and analysed to identify the frequency and distribution of groove patterns among males and females. The analysis revealed noticeable variation in lip print patterns between genders, with certain groove types showing higher prevalence in males and others in females, while some patterns were found to be less common or absent. The results contribute baseline forensic data for the Chennai population, highlight possible gender-based variations in lip print characteristics, and support the usefulness of cheiloscopy as a supplementary forensic identification tool in criminal and medico-legal investigations.