What was Sai Baba's explicit instruction regarding people of poor character or those who have abandoned religious conduct?

Sai Baba gave very clear and stern advice about a devotee's associations. As recorded in Chapter 3, He warned that people who have abandoned religious conduct should themselves be abandoned. He advised that one should move aside when such people approach, considering them "very dangerous." Baba went so far as to say one should not even stay in their shadow, even if it means enduring suffering. He explained that a person who is thoughtless, whose character is fallen, and who cannot see what is right or wrong will never be able to achieve their goals, emphasizing the importance of virtuous company for spiritual progress.