So, I was asked to referee a paper for a reputed TCS journal which I did. I wrote my report within 3 months from invitation but I was waiting almost 6 more months till I get Editor's notification for the decision (sent to authors but also to myself as a referee).
The authors of that paper prepared a major revision and submitted within 3 weeks this new version, and I was asked by the editor to re-evaluate this newer version. I did, again within 3 months.
Now, more than 6 months have passed since I uploaded my report and still no news from the editor. When I login as a reviewer into the system I see: Status under review and Status Date to be the date I uploaded my recommendation. From this I conclude that no new referee was asked and simply the 2nd referee is, again, very late with their report (6+3=9 months at least since we were asked to re-evaluate the new version).
Now, this is a very interesting, difficult and somewhat controversial, paper and I would realy like the authors to see and answer my comments/suggestions/questions as soon as possible. The more time passes, the more I forget about the paper and I would have to read it again and again in a possible 3rd round.
Question: Does it make sense for me, as a reviewer, to inquire with the editor about the status of the paper stating my above stated reasons? What would be, most likely, the reaction of the editor? Did this ever happened? Or should I simply stay silent since this is not my paper?
Note that I do not plan to have time after September, due to many commitements, to dedicate myself on re-evaluating such a difficult paper so it is a matter of time (besides the obvious interest) for me and this is an issue that would affect my plan next semester when the other referee decides to send the report to go into the 3rd round.